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THE 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON 



NEW YORK. 



FJiOM ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT TO THE 
YEAR 1820. 



MARIUS SCHOONMAKER, 

OF KINGSTON. 




NEW YORK : 

BURK PRINTING HOUSE, 

18 Jacob Street. 

1888. 



COPYRIGHT, 18S8, BY MARIUS SCHOONMAKER. 



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iDcMcnticin. 



HoUanb Society of Isfeu) IJorh. 

In view of the tiliject of your orjranizalion ap Plated in your artirlpH of asHociatinn. I pmpoflo to 
dedicate to you this volume, comprising the History of Kingston, one of the early Dutch nettlementp in 
the State of New York, and during the Colonial period one of the mont prominent places in the Colony. 
The history is brought down to 1820, thus embracing the interesting era of its distinctively Dutch character. 
The struggles and sufferings of its inhabitants during the Indian. French and Revolutionary Ware ;— their 
Arm and unwavering stand in defence of freedom and human rights ;— and their heroic sacrifices during 
;ill the years of conflict through which they passed, are w orthy of being recorded and preserved in the 
annals of our country. 

It is with that object the book has been prepared, and I now dedicate it to the HOLLAND SOCIETY 
OF NEW YORK, which includes among the purposes of its formation "the collection and preservation 
of all matters in relation to the genealogy and history of our Dutch Ancestry." 

M. SCHOON MAKER. 
November, 1888. 



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PREFACE. 



BY the kindness of Miss Kate Vanderlyn, of this city, I have 
been enabled to produce as a frontispiece for this book a copy 
of the sketch of Kingston and the Catskill Moiintains, which was 
made in 1819 by her nncle, John Vandeilyn, the artist. The 
sketch '«-as taken from the bluff of rocks a little to the east of the 
present junction of Wall and Fair streets. It presents in the fore- 
ground the fields, with their dividing fences, lying between the 
artist and St. James' Street, which was then the most southerly 
street. Those fields appearing on the sketch, with the division 
fences, were then a part of the territory designated as the " Arm- 
bowery" (poor farm). They are now thickly covered with dwell- 
ings and business places. In the backgroiand are the lordly Cats- 
kills, with the village lying between. 

I am also indebted to her for the loan of a miniature of the 
artist taken in Paris, from which the engraving in the text was 
made. The likeness in the text of Charles De Witt, of Greenkill, 
was made from a miniature loaned for the purj)Ose by his grand- 
son, Richard De Witt, of Greenkill. 

This book, which lias been i:)repared at the earnest request of 
some kind friends, even if it does not meet theii" full expectations, 
I trust will not be disappointing. 

There are great and, indeed, insurmountable difficulties in pre- 
paring a complete history of Kingston, on account of the loss and 
destruction of public records and other valuable papers. 

I am, however, greatly indebted to my friends : Richard De 
Witt, Sutherland De Witt, and Hon. David M. De Witt, kinsmen 
of Charles De Witt, of Greenkill ; John W. Ilasbrouck, of Middle- 
town ; Frederick E. Westbrook, Esq., of New York ; and Thomas 
Beekman and Kate Vanderlyn, of this city, for valuable material 
which has been freely used in the accompanying pages. 

As stated elsewhere in regard to the chapter of ancestral notes, 
I am indebted to Cornelius H. Van Gaasbeek, Jr., of this city, for 
a large portion of the material used in its compilation. Why it is 
not more complete has been the lack of ability to procure the neces- 
sary material. 



\ 



VI PREFACE. 

The scope and object of the work has been to give a compact 
but complete history of the place, the customs and pursuits of its 
inhabitants, and their connection vnth public events from its first 
settlement down to the year 1820, which embraces the whole of the 
interesting era of its distinctively Dutch character. This period 
also covers the exciting events and incidents of the Indian and 
French wars and the struggles of the Revolution. In a strict sense 
the work is a history of Kingston ; but at that day Kingston occu- 
pied such an important position in the country at large, and in the 
military and civil events that preceded the war for independence, 
and also in that great contest, that its history during the colonial 
times, to be fully understood and elucidated, draws with it a great 
deal of the provincial history. 

I have, therefore, found it necessary to refer quite extensively 
to the contests of the people and the colonial assemblies with the 
crown and the colonial governors, involving the fundamental prin- 
ciples of freedom which led to the Eevolution. I have endeavored 
to trace them from their origin and indicate their progress and 
development for nearly a century, until their culminating triumph 
in the Declaration of Independence. 

The work as it is is now given to the public, but not at as early 
a date as was originally intended. The delivery to the press was 
delayed for a time on account of an apprehension, on the part of 
the author, that the demand therefor was not sufficient to justify 
the expense attending its publication. Whether his fears were 
well founded or not will be shown by the character of its reception. 

M. SCHOONMAKER. 

Kingston, November, 1888. 



CONTENTS. IX 

CHAPTER XXV. page 

KrNGBTON AS IT WAS IN AND ABOUT 1820 435 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Ancestral Notes, 472 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
Indian Relics, 496 



APPENDIX. 



PAGE 

First Charter or Patent Granted to Wiltwyck, 1661 503 

Articles op Capitulation to the English, 1664, 507 

-Kingston Patent, 1687 510 

Agreement to I\Iaintain Constitutional Rights, 517 

Signers in the Troop op Horse in Ulster County, Dated in Kingston, 

June 9, 1775, 520 

A List op the Persons who Have Refused to Sign the General Asso 

CIATION, 520 

Oppicers op Ulster County Regiments, 521 

Roll op the Officers Elected in the Several Districts or Beats in 

THE Town op Kingston, 521 

Return op a Company op Horse in the Town of Kingston, in Ulster 

County, 521 

Roll op Officers in the Regiment whereof Levi Pawling is to be 

Colonel 522 

"A True Acc't of the Dwelling Houses Outhouses Barracks Destroyed 

AT Kingston," 522 

"Statement of the Allotment op the Five Thousand Acres of Land Con- 
tributed BY Robert R. Livingston, 525 

An Account of the English School in Kingston 526 

List of Supervisors in C^olonial and State Governments, .... 527 

List op Magistrates, 527 

Presidents of the Magistrates, 529 

List op the Speakers or Presiding Officers of Trustees 529 

-Alphabetical List of the Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty 

op the Town op Kingston 581 

List op Directors of the Village of Kingston in 1805 to and In- 
cluding 1820, 586 

Delegates from Ulster to Colonial Assembly, 537 

Delegates fro.m Ulster and Dutchess Counties to Colonial As.sembly, . 587 
Delegates from Ulster County to Colonial Assembly, ..... 537 
Members of the Provincial Convention from Ulster County, . . . 537 

Representatives in Congress prom Ulster County, 537 

Senators from Ulster County under the Constitution of 1777, . . 538 

Members of Assembly from Ulster County under the Constitution of 1777, 538 



ILLUSTEATIOI^S. 



PAOB 

View op Kingston, 1819. From a Painting of John Vandeelyn the 

Artist Frontispiece. 

Plan of Wiltwyck with Stockade, 1658 9 

Wampum Belt, 1664 46 

Kingston Church Before the Revolution, 213 

" " as Rebuilt After, 221 

Bill of Lading of Church Bell, 1794 224 

Court House, 262 

Tappen House, Executive Chamber, 1777 ■ . . 274 

Senate House, 1777, 275 

Assembly Chambeu, 1777, Bogardus House, 276 

Council of Safety met 1777, Elmendorf House 295 

Van Steenbergh House Escaped Fire, 1777 304 

Map op Kingston, 1777 308 

House where Council of Safety Met, JIarbletown, 1777 319 

" Hurley, 1777 320 

" " Washington was Entertained, 1782, Marbletown, . . 335 

Stopped in Hurley, 1782 336 

Revolutionary Soldier's Discharge by General Washington, . . 340 

Kingston Academy 347 

Academy Vacation Ball Tickets, 354 

Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, Portrait 397 

Map op Kingston, 1820 436 

The Dewaal House, 439 

John Vanderlyn (the Artist), Portrait 457 

Charles De Witt, Portrait, 478 

Indian Relics, 497, 498, 499, 500 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



CHAPTER I. 



TO THE CLOSE OF THE FIKST ESOPXJS INDIAN WAR, AND CONCLU- 
SION OF TREATY OF PEACE, 1660. 

IT is now little more than two centuries since the Bed man reigned 
supreme over this, his then pleasant hunting-grounds, teeming 
with game and the wild beasts of the forest. What changes have 
taken place within that period ! The native Indian, witb his game, 
has disappeared ; and with the onward march of religion, science, 
education, and industry a prosperous city, teeming with life, 
wealth, and industry, has taken the jjlace of the wandering savage 
and the lordly trees of the forest. 

I am at times amazed wlien I contemplate the changes which 
have taken place within the territory of the city of Kingston, even 
within my own limited recollection. I remember Rondout when 
it was a little hamlet called the Strand, or Kingston Landing, with 
about half a dozen dwellings and storehouses all told ; and Wilbur, 
with two mills, a distillery, and three dwellings called TwaalfskiU ; 
and Kingston village not to exceed two hundred dwellings and 
half a dozen stores, keeping a general country assortment ; the 
local commerce limited to four sloops, each making a full trij) 
every fortnight to and from New York. 

And what have we now ? A city of over twenty thousand in- 
habitants, and with a commerce which daily exceeds the annual 
commerce in value of my first remembrance. My task lies in the 
history of a place embracing such changes, I fear my ability to do 
it Justice. Those who have urged me to the task I trust will not 
be disappointed at the manner of its fulfilment, if my lamp of life 
continues to burn sufliciently long to accomplish it. 

In the history of a small teratory such as this, necessarily its 
first settlement may be distinguished by some thrilling narratives 
and encounters with the savages, but thereafter it must settle down 
to a great extent into family history and narratives. Indeed, the 
history of a community is necessarily but little more than a com- 
pilation and combination of family histories. There are always in 
1 



2 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

a stirring, active business place some men of mark, who by their 
activity and energy give cliaracter to tlie place. And it is such 
men, and not those who, like the turtles, draw thetr heads within 
their shells, who necessarily demand prominence in historical 
reminiscences. 

Of course little other than arrangement can be original in such 
a work as this. True history is only a record of what has been, 
and the historian must necessarily gather his princi|)al facts from 
foi-mer chroniclers of the times— contemporaneous chioniclers, so 
far as they may be found — and traditions I'eceived from ancestry. 
These remarks ajjply to times and seasons beyond the personal 
recollections of the chronicler. When those are reached, if life is 
spared, his effort will l)e to make them imjiartial and correct de- 
lineators and records of the times. 

In the year 1609 Hendrick Hudson, in a ship called the Half- 
moon, furnished him by the Dutch East India Company, dejiai'ted 
from Holland in search of a passage to the East Indies. After 
reaching America, he coasted along its shores to lind the desired 
passage. On the 12th of Septemlwr, 1009, lie entered a narrow strait, 
which led him to the magniticent river which has since immortalized 
his name. He anchored his ship and remained several days in the 
beautiful bay liordering on Manhattan Island, and was visited by 
the astonished natives, " clothed in mantles of feathers and robes 
of fur." They manifested not only great friendship but re^'erence 
for him and his companions, as a superior race of beings, messen- 
gers of an almighty power. Hudson then proceeded up the river 
which some of the Indian tribes called " Cahohatatia," which 
translated means river of the mountains, and exj^lored it to a point 
a short distance beyond the present site of Albany, stopping at 
several places on the route, and was everywhere met with friendly 
greeting by the Indian tribes. 

On his return to Europe, although detained by the British and 
prevented from returning to Holland, lie transmitted to his Am- 
sterdam patrons a most glowing description of his discoveries con- 
nected with the " river of the mountains." 

The next year the East India Comjiany of Holland sent a ship 
to trade with the natives. Finding their first venture profitable, 
they soon established trading posts at Manhattan, Fort Orange, 
now Albany, and at some intermediate points along the river, 
including the moutli of the creek at Atkarkarton, afterward 
Esopus, now Kingston. At this last-mentioned place the valley of 
the several large streams (the Rond(mt, the Wallkill, and the 
Esopus), all concentrating at that point and extending far into the 
interior, furnished facilities for a trading post ; one of the Indian 
trails led across to the Delaware River. The mountains and 



HISTORY OF KTNGSTOIT. 6 

forests through which these valleys extended abounded with game 
and animals valuable for their furs. 

On the 11th day of October, 1614, the States-General of Holland 
granted to " the United New Netherland Company the exclusive 
right to visit and navigate all the lands situate in America between 
New France and Virginia, the sea coast of which lies between the 
fortieth and the forty-fifth degree of latitude, and which are named 
the New Netherlands ; and to navigate or cause to be navigated 
the same for four voyages within the period of three years, to com- 
mence from the first day of January, 1615, or sooner." 

Under the authority thus granted the company took possession 
of the Hudson River, and built three forts or redoubts thereon — one 
on Castle Island just below Albany, one on the Battery at New 
Yoi-k, and one at tlie mouth of the Rondout Creek. 

After the expiration of this i:)atent, and on the 3d of June, 1620, 
the States-General incorporated the West India Company with 
enormous and almost unlimited powers. In the name of the States- 
General it could make contracts and alliances with princes and na- 
tions, build forts, administer justice, appoint and discharge gov- 
ernors, soldiers, and public ofRcers, and promote trade. 

The government of the company was vested in five separate 
cliambers of managers : one at Amsterdam, managing four ninths ; 
one in Zeeland, two ninths ; one at Dordrecht, one ninth ; one in 
North Holland, one nintli, and one in Friesland and Groningen, one 
ninth. 

General executive power, for all purposes except war, was in- 
trusted to a board of nineteen delegates, called the " College of the 
XIX." 

The time of the patent was for twenty -four years, and the New 
Netlierlands was included within their grant. 

At this time, when the Dutch sought to acquire possession of 
the Hudson River and adjoining tei'ritory, that on the west of the 
Hudson below Albany was occupied by the race of Indians known 
as the Algonquins, which race was divided into numerous bands 
under local names. The band or tribe at Kingston and its imme- 
diate vicinity are generally known and designated as the Esopus 
Indians, sometimes named the Warynawancks. 

The ^Yest India Company was specially organized for commer- 
cial and trading purposes, and therefore its principal object was 
the control and possession of the New Netlierlands, for the purpose 
of conducting and monopolizing the rich and very profitable trade 
in furs with the natives. As a necessary consequence, the earliest 
immigrants were merely a company of traders. But that state of 
thinii's did not and could not lono- continue. The Refonnation and 
the subsequent religious persecutions drove many of the conscien- 



4 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tious servants of God to seek an asylum beyond the reach, of the 
tyrants of Euroi^e. The lirst of those arriving here in the vicinity 
of Manhattan, Avith the intention of remaining, was a company 
consisting of about thirty families of Walloons, who had fled to 
Holland from France to avoid persecution. They settled on Long 
Island, near what is now the Navy Yard, about the year 1625. 
Others arriving at the same time went to Fort Orange, now Albany. 

The Dutch West India Company purchased the island of Man- 
hattan from the Indians for a sum equivalent to about twenty -four 
dollars of oiir money. Peter Minuit, the first agent of the com- 
pany, under the title of governor, built a house upon the island and 
resided there. The lower end of the island was then occupied by 
a fort and a few cottages, and was called New Amsterdam. 

Governor Minuit continued his agency for several years, ap- 
parently cultivating the friendship of the savages and the interest 
of his employers. Uj^on his resignation he was succeeded by 
Wouter Van Twiller, who, although a good tradesman, was lament- 
ably deficient in the science or art of government, but, at the same 
time, had the wisdom to i)ursue a i)eaceful and conciliatory policy 
with the savages. 

About 1638 Governor Van Twiller was succeeded in his agency 
by Willem Kieft. He was a man entirely unfitted for his position. 
Avaricious, dishonest, unscrupulous, and arbitrary in his meas- 
ures, he kept the colony in a continual turmoil ; drove the Indians 
to desperation and nuidness, aroused Indian wars and massacres, 
and soon had scarcely a friend in the colony. 

One of his first steps against the Indians was, in 1638, to at- 
tempt the levy of a tribute upon the river Indians. They rebelled 
against its enforcement. About 1640 the Raritans, a tribe living 
along the liver of that name, were accused of stealing some hogs. 
Governor Kieft at once, without making any inquiry into the justice 
or falsity of the charge, sent a band of soldiers to punish them, 
who fell upon them unawares, killed a number, and destroyed their 
corn. Another instance is related by a chronicler of the times : 

" A Dutchman sold to a young Indian, a son of a chief, brandy ; 
and, when he was intoxicated, cheated and drove him away. The 
Indian, raging with drink and maddened by the treatment he had 
received, went to his home, procured his bow and arrows, returned 
and shot the Dutchman dead. The chiefs of the murderer's tribe 
hastened to the governor to explain the matter, and to pay the 
price of blood ; they wished for peace, but the governor was inex- 
orable. He demanded the murderer, but he had fled to a neigh- 
boring tribe. ' It is your own fault,' exclaimed the indignant 
chief ; ' why do you sell brandy to our young men % it makes them 
crazy.' Just at this time came a company of Mohawks, all anned 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 5 

■with niTiskets, to demand tiibute of the enfeebled river tribes. The 
latter fled to the Dutch for protection. ' Now is the time,' urged 
the people, ' to obtain forever the friendship of the Indians living 
around us by their protection.' But Kieft, true to his nature, 
deemed it the proper time for their extemiination. 

' ' The unsuspecting victims of this sclienie of treachery and 
cruelty were with the tribe of Hackensacks, just beyond Hoboken. 
About the hour of midnight some soldiers from the fort and free- 
booters from the ships in the harbor passed over the river, and soon 
thereafter were heard the shrieks of the dying Indians. The car- 
nage continued ; the poor victims ran to the river to pass over to 
their supposed friends at New Amsterdam. But they were driven 
into the water. Tlie mother who rushed to save her drowning 
child was pushed in, that both might perish in the freezing flood ; 
and another company of Indians, trusting to the Dutch for protec- 
tion, who were encamped on the island a short distance from the 
fort, were murdered in the same manner. In the morning the re- 
turning soldiers received the congrat^llations of Kieft." 

The settlers, when they became aware of the facts, were indig- 
nant and horror-stricken, and condemned the atrocity in no meas- 
ured terms. As might have been anticijjated, the anger and indig- 
nation of the savages were aroused to the highest pitch of fury, and 
war was inaugurated wliich knew no mercy. Wherever a white man's 
hut was situated, there was sure to ascend the smoke of conflagra- 
tion. All the settlers who could escape the fury of the savages 
rushed to the fort, for protection, and all outside settlements were 
deserted. Some in their terror returned to Holland. If at any 
time before that there had been any settlers in Esopus, as some 
allege, their homes were then deserted and abandoned. The war 
was thus started in the winter of 164.3, and waged with slight in- 
terruption, and with more or less brutality, for two years, before 
peace was concluded. Kieft, whose conduct was censured hj his 
superiors, was soon after recalled, and set sail for England, which 
country he never reached, being shipwrecked and drowned on the 
passage. 

In 1646 Petrus Stuyvesant was appointed to succeed Kieft as 
governor. He was honest and trustworthy, but had a most difii- 
cult task before him to overcome the eifects of Kieft' s misgovem- 
ment and treachery. 

In 1652 considerable difficulty arose at Rensselaerwycli in regard 
to title and occupancy of land, caused by the patent of the Putroon 
Van Rensselaer overlapping the occupancy of some settlers. Par- 
ties became very violent in their quarrels, which, in a numl^er of 
cases, led to personal conflicts. Thomas Chambers, an Englishman, 
Mattys Hendrix, Christopher Davis, and Johan De Hulter, avIio liad 



6 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

settled on tlie disputed tenitory, and several of their neighbors, 
desiring peace and comfort, left for Atkarkarton (Esopiis), "an 
exceedingly beautiful land," and formed a settlement there. Al- 
though there is little doubt that Europeans had resided in that 
vicinity before, still this immigration of Chambers and his neigh- 
bors was the first approach to a permanent settlement. 

Here Chambers, in 1653, received a gift from the natives of about 
seventy-six acres of laud, described as bounded " Easterly and 
Westerly by the woods, and running Northerly and Southerly by the 
Kill." This grant, thei'efore, must ha^e been of the lowland along 
the creek, as that was prairie land, which makes the description in- 
telligible. Some of his associates also pui'chased land from the 
Indians about the same time, avIio afterward received confirmatory 
grants thereof. 

Settlers now began to come in rapidly, and soon there was quite 
a colony gathered together. As early as 16.55 the wife of Cornells 
Barentse Slecht was licensed " as a midwife for Esopus." 

Each of the settlers at that time had apparently his territory 
allotted to him and settled thereon, so that they were scattered and 
entirely unprotected from the savages. 

It appears that Johan De Hulter, in 1654, purchased a tract of 
one thousand acres from the Indians, bounded on the north by the 
lands of Thomas Chamlters, and was patented by his widow in 
ilarch, 1(557. This grant, it was claimed by some, covered the site of 
the old village of Kingston, but was denied by Governor Stuyves- 
ant. This settlement remained in peace for only a short time, for 
in 1055 the Indians, on both sides of the river, made war upon the 
Dutch at New Amsterdam and its vicinity, and the settlers at 
Esopus, fearing an attack and being without any means of defence, 
fled from their homes to places of comparative security, leaving 
their dwellings and flocks to the mercy of the savages. As soon as 
peace was concluded, which was in the following fall, they returned 
to their homes to find that much had been appropriated and de- 
stroyed by the Indians. 

With residences thus scattered, the natives were living around 
and among them, which resulted in frequent depredations the one 
upon the other ; and, as appeal's to lie always the case, the settlers 
were not careful to keep the " fire-water" from the Indians' lips. 
That in one instance resulted in a drunken spree near Ponckhockie, 
in which the Indians in their craziness killed one man, a skijiper 
named Ilai-mon Jacobs, while standing on board his vessel ; and 
the dwellings of Jacob Adriance and Andries ^^an der Huys, lo- 
cated at Ponckhockie, were set fire to and burned to the ground. 

Such was the fear created in the minds of some of the settlers, 
that they submitted to some of the most humiliating exactions 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 7 

from the Indians, as appears by the character of their call upon 
Stuy vesant, the governor, for assistance. In it they say : ' ' The 
savages compel the whites to plough their maize land, and when 
they hesitate threaten, with firel)rands in their hands, to burn their 
houses. . . . That the chiefs liave no control of their men. We 
are locked up in our houses and dare not move a limb." 

The extent of their settlement at that time, May, 1658, may be 
judged by the fact that in such application to the governor they 
state that " they had 990 schepels of grain in the ground, and had 
60 or 70 peoj)le, who support a reader at their own expense. " 

Immediately on receipt of the news, May 28th, the council di- 
rected the governor to proceed with sixty or seventy men to the 
relief of the inhabitants. 

He arrived there on Wednesday ; the next day being Ascension 
Day, he notified the people to meet him after service in the after- 
noon. He told them the killing of one man and the burning of two 
buildings was not enough to make war. They must concentrate 
and form a village with a stockade, so as to be able to protect 
themselves. They objected on account of their poverty and their 
inability to house their crops so near harvest, and they wished the 
troops to remain and to have the village built after harvest. He 
finally told them that there was no security as they then lived ; 
they must concentrate then or remove to Fort Orange or Manhat- 
tan ; or if they remained as they were, they must give him no more 
trouble. If they agreed to concentrate, he would remain until the 
work was complete. 

The next day, the 30th of May, he had a conference with about 
fifty wa,rriors, who met him under a tree. Stuy vesant then recounted 
to them their insolence to the whites, their murders, and their burn- 
ing of dwellings ; still he did not come to make war, but to punish 
the guilty ; and asked them why they acted thus, and were con- 
stantly threatening the inhabitants. After a pause one of the chiefs 
arose and said : " The Shawanakins sold our children drink, and 
they were thus the cause of the Indians being made ci-azy, which 
was the cause of all the mischief. The sachems could not always 
control the young men, who would often fight and woiind. The 
murder was committed not by one of our tribe, but by a Minnisink, 
who had skulked away among the Haverstraws. The one who 
fired the two small dwelling-houses had run away, and dared 
not cultivate his own soil. We are innocent, not actuated by 
malice, do not want to fight, but cannot control the young men." 

Stuyvesant replied that if any of their men wanted to fight, let 
them step forth. He would place man against man ; yes, twenty 
against thirty or forty of the hotheads. But that it is unmanly to 
threaten farmers, and women and children, who are not warriors. 



8 HISTOR"? OF KINGSTON. 

If it was not stopped lie would be compelled to retaliate on old and 
young, on women and children. " You must repair all damages, 
seize the murderer if he comes among you, and do no further mis- 
chief. The Dutch are now going to live together in one spot. It 
is desirable that you should sell us the whole of the Esopus land 
and remove farther into the interior ; for it is not good for you to 
reside so near the Shawanakins, whose cattle might eat your maize, 
and thus cause frequent disturbances." The matter was settled 
upon the terms thus dictated by Stuyvesant, and the savages de- 
parted after exchanging some small presents. 

The citizens finally came to tenns with Stuyvesant, and entered 
into a written agreement, which translated is as follows : ' ' We, 
the subscribers, assembled inhabitants of the Esopus, having found 
from time to time, through a very sorrowful experience, and to 
the damage of us aU, the faithless and unbearable boldness of the 
Indians' barbarous nature— how uncertain it is to depend on their 
words — how careless and perilous it is to live so separate and wide 
apart among such a faithless and insolent nation, have (on the 
proposition and promise of the Director-General, the lord Petrus 
Stuyvesant, to furnish us with a night-guard, and in case of neces- 
sity with further help) resolved among one another, that in order 
to better protect ourselves, our wives and children, it is necessary 
to leave our separate dwellings immediately after the signing of 
this, in the most speedy manner possible, and to concentrate in 
such place as the Lord Director shall choose, and surround it with 
palisades of proper length ; and in order that through these means, 
if it please the all-good God to lend his blessing, we may be better 
prepared to preserve ourselves and ours from a sudden onslaught 
of the Indians, we bind ourselves one to another, after prayer to 
the Lord, to take the means named in hand without any objection, 
and to complete them as speedily as possible, under a fine of one 
thousand guilders, to be paid for the benefit of the place, by any 
one who may oppose the same by words or deeds. In further wit- 
ness whereof we have hereto set our own hands, in presence of the 
Lord Director-General and Govert Loockermans, old Schepens of 
the City of Amsterdam in New Netherland. Done the last of 
May, 1658. 

" Signed : Jacob Jansen Stol, Tliomas Chambers, Cornells 
Barentse Slecht, mark of Willem Jansen, Peter Dercksen, Jan 
Jansen, Jan Broersen, Dirck Hendricksen Graef, Jan Looman." 

After this agreement was signed, the first thing requiring atten- 
tion was tlie selection of the site for the village. That, of course, 
was a matter of primary importance. Stuyvesant wisely selected 
the site of what subsequently became the thickly settled pai-t of 
the old village of Kingston, comprising the tract of land having 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



9 



North Front Street on the north, Main Street on the south, Green 
Street on the west, and East Front Street (now Clinton Avenue) on 
the east ; thus being protected by very steep banks on three sides, 
and exposed on a level only at the south. 

The location appears to have been satisfactory to all, as the in- 
habitants proceeded at once to remove their dwellings and build 
the stockade. The selection was made on the 31st day of May, aud 
in three weeks' time the palisade was substantially completed, the 
buildings removed, a bridge thrown over the brook beyond the 
gate near the northwest corner of the stockade, and a guard-house 
and temporary barracks built. 

North. 
Steep desfent, lowland. 



West, g- 




Eaet. 



Extensive level plain. 
South. 

Plan op Stockade, Wiltwtck, 1658. 

The outside lines represent the stockade. 
No. 1. The fortified part. No. 3. The gates to fortified part. 

No. 2. The blocli-liouse. No. 4. The outside gales. 

The double lines inside are the streets. 



The location of the stockade was such that on the north, east, 
and west sides it ran along the brow of a steep declivity, with 
small streams of water, through wet marshy ground at the foot, 
and an extensive prairie ilat beyond on the north and east sides ; 
and on the west was a valley, wdth a brook running through the 
centre, boi'dered by considerable marshy ground. The last-named 
brook was very soon utilized for milling jiurposes ; on the south 
there was a very extended sandy . flat tenninating in the narrow 
neck encompassed by the stockade. 



30 HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

In the illustration, the outside lines represent the stockade ; 
Fig. 1, the fortified part, including guard-house and barracks ; 2, 
the block-house ; 3, the gates to the fortified part, and 4, the outside 
gates. The average length of the area included in the stockade 
was about thirteen hundred feet and the width about twelve hun- 
dred feet. 

Shortly after the Dutch had begun their stockade they saw a 
band of Indians approaching and at first apprehended trouble, but 
soon found that the mission was friendly. They had come to give 
the land on which the village was commenced as a present to " the 
grand sachem" of the Hollanders, "to grease his feet, as he had 
taken so long and painful a journey to visit them." 

Stuyvesant then, after the completion of the work, and leaving 
a detail of twenty-four soldiers as a guard, left on the 24th of June 
for his headquarters at New Amsterdam. 

Peace with the Indians promised to be of very short continu- 
ance. Distrust appeared to exist on both sides. On the 15th of 
October, 1658, Director Stuyvesant had a conference with several 
sachems or chiefs of the savages. After the sachem had affimied 
their authority to enter into a binding agreement, the affronts and 
injuries which they had done to the Esoj)ns Christians were re- 
hearsed to them as follows : 

" They or their tribe had killed two horses of the Widow Hul- 
ter." 

" Thai about a year or eighteen months ago they had wounded 
with a hatchet one Jacob Adriaensen on the head, while in his 
own hoi;se, in consequence of which he is still blind of one eye, 
and they had also mortally Avounded his little child." 

" That since the Spring they had burned his house and plun- 
dered his goods, also killed a dutchman on one of the Slooixs." 

" That they had stolen and taken with them from the aforesaid 
burned house some duffels and shirts of Adriaen Van der Sluys." 

" That they had compelled the fanners to plough their land for 
com and had threatened Cornells Barentsen Slecht to burn his 
house, in case he should refuse, taking a firebrand for that purj)ose 
and nxnning up under the roof to fire the barn. 

" That they had extorted at different times new jiayments from 
the Dutch, who had bought land from them and paid for it accord- 
ing to the bill of sale, and had inflicted many more threats, affronts 
and damages upon our nation, which have been the cause that the 
People have been obliged to pull down their houses and move close 
together, and that the Director General has been forced to close 
this place by i)alisades, with great labor and expenses and to send 
here and keep so many soldiers. 

" That they have killed again, contrary to their promise, a 



HISTOEY OK KINGSTOiy. 11 

horse and several hogs belonging to Jacob Jansen Stoll for all which 
losses caused by them proper satisfaction is demanded.'' 

The Indians made professions of f liendship and a desire to make 
satisfaction. But the director-general, after waiting until the 
18th, the Indians not returning on that day, as promised, became 
satisfied that they had no intention of giving satisfaction. He 
therefore returned to ISTew Amsterdam on the 19th of October, 
1658, leaving instructions with Ensign Dirck Smit that he should 
join to the old garrison twenty-five men from the military brought 
np, so that they should number fifty men, and he to have the su- 
preme command. "With the assistance of the inhabitants he was 
immediately to make the enclosed place secure, and mount a proper 
guard at the two gates and the guard-house, in daytime as well as 
at night, and not allow any savage to pass through exeejjt upon 
permission of Jacob Jansen Stoll and Thomas Chambers. Until 
further order he was not to act hostilely against the savages unless 
they began first and harmed the Christians. Then, witli the advice 
of said Stoll and Chambers, and assistance of the inhabitants, he 
was to act defensively, and apprehend, resist, and pursue the sav- 
ages as occasion might require. 

On the 29th of October, 1658, Messrs. Stoll, Chambers, and Smit 
reported to the director-general, by letter, that the savages on the 
l^revious day had released the large tract of land as demanded, and 
exjjected some jDresents in return. 

Miitual distrust continued to exist between the whites and the 
Indians. The Dutch suspected that the savages intended to attack 
and slaughter them when opportunity offered, while the savages 
had no confidence in the sincerity of the director-general, he hav- 
ing avoided or neglected to send them the xaromised presents as a 
guarantee of peace. As usual with the savage, the withholding of 
the presents was an evidence of want of sincerity. For that reason 
they apprehended that it was his intention to surprise and destroy 
them. In this critical condition, ready to blaze at the touch of the 
slightest spark, they lingered along through the winter and sum- 
mer of 1659 and until the faU, when a dastardly outrage on the 
part of the whites, entirely unprovoked and uncalled for, and with- 
out excuse, set the warwhoop resounding throughout the coun- 
try, accompanied with all the horrors of savage warfare. 

A few Indians — some eight in number — were employed l_iy 
Thomas Chambers, who lived on his farm and had not removed into 
the village, to husk his corn, at which they were engaged until late 
in the evening. 

During the evening they asked for brandy. "When they had 
finished their work he gave them a large jug of it. They went to 
a brook near by and had their frolic. As the liquor operated the 



12 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

noise and yelling and di-unken orgies increased. It became so 
great that the commandant of the guard ordered a squad of his 
men to march out of one of the gates and return by the other, so as 
to see what the turmoil was, but not to commit any violence. He 
did so, and reported that it was a few Indians on a drunken spree. 

That was enough to set some indiscreet hotheads in motion, of 
whom there is always a supply to curse any community ; and 
Jacob Jansen Stoll called on several people to follow him and attack 
the Indians. Accordingly, against the orders of Ensign Smit, he 
left with Jacob Jansen Van Stoutenbergh, Gysbei-t Phillipse Van 
Velthuysen, Thomas Higgins, Evert Pels, Jan Arentsen, Barent 
Harmensen, Martin Hoffman, and Abel Derckson, and attacked 
the savages as they lay huddled together in drunken stupor, firing 
a volley of musketry among them, killing some and wounding 
others. It is said the iinfortunate wretches immediately Jumped 
up : one was knocked on the head with an axe ; a second was taken 
prisoner ; a third fled ; a fourth, while lying intoxicated, was cut on 
the head with a cutlass, which aroused him from his stupor, and he 
made off. The Diitch thereupon returned to the fort with great 
speed, after that most valiant exploit, murdering Indians stupidly 
drunk. 

Ensign Smit, perceiving that he could not control the action of 
the settlers, detennined at once to return with his command to 
New Amsterdam, and leave the settlers to the consequences of their 
acts. He therefore announced his intention to leave the next day, 
and made preparations accordingly. 

The people became wild with excitement, and made earnest op- 
position. They did not know what to do in the predicament in 
which they were placed. Smit would not yield, and insisted upon 
going. Finding they coiild do nothing by persuasion, Stoll and 
Chambers quietly got possession of all the boats in the neighbor- 
hood, so that Smit was thus dejirived of the only means he had of 
transpoi'tation. In this emergency, securing one canoe, he sent 
Christopher Davis to the governor with information of the situa- 
tion of affairs. He was escorted to the river by eight soldiers and 
about a dozen citizens, under the command of Sergeant Laurent- 
son. This was on the 25th of September, 1659, about four days 
after the massacre. When this party was returning from the ri\'er, 
it fell into an ambuscade near where the City Hall is now situated. 
The sergeant and thirteen men at once surrendered, seeing, with the 
opposing numbers, the folly of resistance. The others fled, and 
reached the gate in safety. 

War to the knife was now fully inaugui'ated. The Indians, to 
the number of five hundred and upward, surrounded the place, and 
kept up a constant skirmish. Throwing firebi'ands, they set flre to 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 13 

the house of Jacob Sebers, which, with many barns, stacks, and 
barracks were burned. They attempted to take the place by stonn, 
and for that purpose made a most desperate assault, but without 
success. The stockade formed such an effective protection that 
only one man inside of the enclosure was killed. Not succeeding 
in capturing the place, they then proceeded to kill all the domestic 
animals they could find. The siege was thus kept up uninterrupt- 
edly for three weeks. Failing in their main object, they then pro- 
ceeded to wreak their vengeance upon the prisoners. 

Jacob Jansen Van Stoutenbergh, Abraham Vosburgh, a son of 
Cornells B. Slecht, and several others were forced to run the 
gauntlet, after which they were tied to stakes ; then cut and beaten 
in the most cruel manner ; and such as siirvived the torture were 
burned alive. There were others of the prisoners who suffered tor- 
ture and death, but their names are unknown. 

Thomas Chambers was exchanged for an Indian captive. One 
soldier made his escape. Sergeant Laurentson and Peter Hille- 
brants were ransomed. Pels's sou, who was a youth, was adopted 
into an Indian family. He remained with the tiibe, took a wife 
from among them, had children, and refused to leave his wife. 
Whether he afterward returned to civilization or not tradition does 
not inform us. 

At this time there was a great deal of sickness i^revailing at 
New Amsterdam and throughout the colonial possessions, which, 
added to the dread and fear which fell upon the inhabitants, it was 
impossible for Stuyvesant to procure any volunteers for aid to 
Esopus. Anticipating that the massacre and war would extend 
throughout the whole colony, the farmers fled in every direction, 
abandoning houses, grain, cattle, and, indeed, the nearest inhabited 
villages on Long Island, seeking shelter where they thoxight there 
might be safety. 

There were only aliout half a dozen soldiers all told in Fort 
Amsterdam, and all sick. Stuyvesant himself was sick. In this 
plight he used every effort imaginable to procure volunteers ; every 
effort to that end was a failure. After the most urgent and rej)eat- 
ed appeals only from twenty-five to thirty volunteers could be i^ro- 
cured. Finally he required the able-bodied men to cast lots, and 
that those upon whom the lots fell would be required to go, under 
penalty of forfeiture of fifty guilders. 

On the 9th of October, 1659, on Sunday, after the second ser- 
vice, he was able to set off with about one hundred and sixty men 
and as many Indians from Long Island. He reached Esopus the 
next day. On arriving there he learned that the Indians, not hav- 
ing been able to carry the works by assault or by any other way, 
had, about three weeks previous, abandoned the siege and gone to 



14 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

their liomes. Stiiyvesant was unable to pursue them on account of 
the country being so inundated, and the streams swelled by the 
heavy rains. He then at once returned to Manhattan. 

Before leaving he strengthened the garrison, leaving Smit still 
in command. It appears, however, that the savages only made 
their ai)pearance occasionally, to make threats and keep the people 
watchful. In the mean time, the authorities at Fort Orange had 
sent two Maquas chiefs, with Misameret, a Mohican sachem, to con- 
clude an armistice. In this, after a few days' stay, they were suc- 
cessful, and at the same time they ransomed two men. The armis- 
tice was to continue as long as the director should elect. 

On the 28th of November, 1659, Stuyvesant again visited the 
place, lioping to conclude a permanent peace, but the savages were 
afraid of liira and did not meet him. About the middle of the follow- 
ing month they brought in some turkeys and deer, ' ' to see if we were 
sincere." Some powder was given in exchange, which had a happy 
effect. But no contidence was placed in them. It was believed 
that winter and a scarcity of corn alone retarded hostilities. Tradi- 
tion and old documents have left but little information how the 
settlers passed the winter. There is no doubt that they had a very 
watchfid, anxious, and busy time, interspersed with many episodes 
which would at this day have made interesting and thrilling narra- 
tives. Bixt the mantle of oblivion has been thrown over it by the 
lapse of ages, and we must pass on to scenes the records of which 
have not been thus obliterated. 

Late in the winter or early in the spring of 1660 Dii'ector Stuy- 
vesant had a consultation with his council in regard to the affairs 
of Esopus and their troubles with the Indians, and j^roposed to 
make a formal declaration of war. He thought it too humiliating 
to bear what had passed in Esopus, and he proposed to light. 
He said the people of Esopus could produce more grain than all the 
other settlements. There was, therefore, the greater need for their 
protection. He did not purpose to declare war immediately, but 
at once began preparations therefor, and increased the military 
strength of the colony. And until i)repared to strike a decisive 
blow, he purposed ' ' ruse for ruse, and to lead them away by 
chicanery." 

Van Ruyven, the secretary of the colony, opposed this scheme 
if it coidd be avoided, reminding tliem that the whites were the 
aggressors, not the Indians, and urging that another effort be made 
for peace ; and if war must be made, it should l)e deferred until fall, 
wlien they could destroy tlie maize, which was always i)lanted in 
some remote, secret place, to provide food for the winter. The 
council, however, agreed to declare war, but advised it be deferred 
until fall. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 15 

After the above determinatiou had been reached, and on the 
15th of March, Goetchels, chief of the Wappingers, appeared before 
the conncil at Manhattan, and asked for peace in tlie name of 
Pegh-Pegh-qiianock, Pemniyrameclv, Prenwaniack, and Seewe- 
chammee, sachems of tlie Esopns Indians. ' ' They were very fear- 
ful all winter the Dutch would make war. They had the wampum 
and beaver all ready to make peace. They did not come them- 
selves, because they wei'e full of fear." Governor Stuyvesant an- 
swered, they only wanted an " empty peace." 

The chief answered it was only the empty heads (Kaele backers) 
who wanted war ; that all the principal men, especially Kaelkop and 
Pemmyrameck, begged for peace and wanted to meet at Esopus. 

In the mean time, Smit was jaursuing the Indians and harassing 
tliem wherever they could be found. On the IGth of ]\Iarch he 
marched into the interior about eight or ten miles, where he dis- 
covered sixty savages, who fled without offering any resistance. 
But the Dutch soldiers fired on them, killed three or four, and took 
twelve prisoners. Returning they destroyed an Indian fort called 
Wiltmeet, supposed to have been located in Marltletown, and cap- 
tured considerable maize, beans, and peas, and a number of peltries. 

This again struck terror into the savages, and they were afraid 
to go and meet Stuyvesant, who aixived at Esopus on the 18th to 
meet them. Stuyvesant, irritated by their failure to meet him, at 
once determined to declare war. He then sent the phxnder and 
prisoners to Manhattan, ordered the remnants of the tribes to be 
driven across the Catskill Mountains, and then sailed to Fort 
Orange. On the 25th of March, 1660, he issued a formal declaration 
of war against them and their adherents. 

By treaties entered into with river tribes south of Esopus, in- 
cluding the Wappingers, he bound them to remain neutral ; thus 
entirely cutting off the Esopus Indians from any allies or assistance 
in that quarter. 

On the 3d of April two parties of savages appeared on the oji- 
posite side of the Esopns Creek and made derisive gestures. The 
next day they came again and promised to come on the morrow. 
Smit, early the next morning, placed forty -three men in ambush 
about three gun shots from the stockade. Soon about one hundred 
Indians appeared, but their scouts discovered the snare. The Dutch 
now began a general attack, and followed them for an hour. They 
killed three, wounded two, and took one prisoner, with a loss of 
only three horses. 

During this time the Indians were praying for peace. On the 
21st of April the Catskill and Mohican tribes asked for peace in 
behalf of the Esopus Indians, and in their name offered to give up 
all land on the Esopus and exchange prisoners and booty on the 



16 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

2'Sd of April. On the 23d some Mohawk chiefs appeared before 
Montague, the Secretary of Fort Orange, and presented, in the name 
of the Esopus Indians, eighteen fathoms of sewan, soliciting a treaty 
of peace. This was declined for want of authority to act in the 
premises, and the petitioners were referred to the director and 
council. 

About this time three sachems of the Mohican tribe— Aepjen, 
Assamad, and Beresbay — appeared before the director in behalf of 
the Esopus Indians. Laying down two strings of wampum, one of 
them said : " This is a pledge that the Esopus sachems, Kaeleback- 
ers, young and old, men and women, desire peace." These belts 
were taken, but Stuyvesant told them that peace could only be 
assured by their coming to New Amsterdam. Then, presenting 
two other belts, they asked that the prisoners might be released. 
This they were told was impossible, and the wampum was returned. 
They then laid downi twelve and renewed the request. This was 
also refused. 

The Indians, finding their efforts fruitless for the release of the 
prisoners, one of their number, after a short consultation, laid a belt 
of wampum at the director's feet, and requested that the war be 
confined to the Esopus country. They were assured that as long 
as they remained friendly to the Dutch they w^ould not be molested. 
Other belts of wampum were now laid at his feet ' ' to wipe out the 
remembrance of the rejection of those they had offered for the 
prisoners." These were taken, and each was given a blanket, a piece 
of frieze, an axe, a knife, a pair of stockings, two small kettles, and 
one pound of powder. They then left, apparently satisfied, taking 
with them a pass for the Esopus chiefs. 

On the next day. May 25th, 1600, about twenty of the Indian 
captives were sent by the director to the island of Curayoa, with 
directions that they be employed there or at Bunaire with the 
company' s negroes. Three or four others were kept to be punished 
" as might be thought proper or necessity might demand." 

The f)nly excuse Stuyvesant gave for this not only impolitic, 
but cruel and barbarous act, was that " tlieir enlargement would 
have a tendency to create disaffection toward our nation. Our bar- 
barous neighbors would glory as if they had inspii-ed us with 
terror." 

Stuyvesant in this act evinced a great lack of good policy and 
acuteness as a statesman, and cruelty more belitting a savage than 
a civilized being. It was never forgotten by the Indians, and they 
awaited their time for the terrible retribution of blood. 

Questioning, as the writer does, the policy and humanity of the 
government of New Amsterdam in transporting the Indian cap- 
tives to Cura(,-oa, it is proper tliat he should give the reasons as 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 17 

contained in the resolution of the council, as passed May 26th, 
1660. 

" It is quite evident from the proposition and the talk of the 
Savages, that we shall not obtain a lirm and stable peace with the 
Esopus savages, unless the captured Esopus Indians (of whom the 
eleven here and the others still in prison at the Esopus are all bold 
and hard hearted fellows, and the most inconsiderate of the tribe) 
are released, or they are deprived of all hope ever to get them back, 
and they are forced to a solid peace by force of arms (with God's 
blessing). Having considered this, after several serious delibera- 
tions, it has been decided unanimously, that to release them would 
not only tend to create disregard and contempt of our nation 
among neighbors, as well as our own subjects, but also the neigh- 
boring barbarians, and esjjecially the Esopus savages would glory 
in it, as if they inspired such gi-eat awe to our People, that we 
were afraid to arouse their anger, and that we had no courage, to 
treat, according to their merits, and as an example for others, the 
prisoners among whom there are some, who have dared to murder 
our People, cajitured by them, in cool blood and with unheard 
cruelty. Hence we have, for the above stated and other reasons, 
judged it to be best, to send the aforesaid Indian Captives to Cura- 
cao by the first good opportunity, and at the expense of the Com- 
pany, to be employed there or at Bonayro with the negroes in the 
service of the Company, and to keep here only two or three of the 
aforesaid Capti\'es, who have murdered our prisoners in cool l^lood, 
and to punish them, at the proper time, in such a manner, as shall 
be decided upon, in the mean time to continue a defensive and 
oifensive war against the Esopus savages, and inflict aU possible 
harm upon them, imtil such time, that we can obtain a peace with 
them on favorable conditions." 

On the 27th of May Smit sent out seventy-five men with an 
Indian prisonei', Disquaaras, as guide. They discovered, "at the 
second faU on Kit David's KiU" — sup posed to be Lefevre' s Falls, at 
the Rock Lock, in the town of Rosendale — a few Indians planting 
maize on the opposite bank. The creek being high, the Dutch 
could not cross, but the Indians fled, and the Dutch returned to 
the fort. 

Smit having been informed by Maritje Hansen, wife of Jurisen 
Westphael, that the Indians had located ' ' about nine miles or 
three hours farther up the stream above mentioned than the fall, 
where the stream can be easily forded," he sent his men forthwith 
to take the Indians by sui^prise. When within sight of their dwell- 
ings they saw some women and children planting, who, being 
warned of the approach of the Dutch by the barking of the dogs, 
fled, leaving behind them Preymaker, a chief of their tribe, who 



18 HISTOBY OF KINGSTON'. 

was crippled and bent with age. He was designated as " the old- 
est and best of their chiefs." He, armed with a gun, six knives, 
and a tomahawk, demanded : " What are ye doing here, ye dogs ?" 
and at the same time levelled his gun at them. That was at once 
snatched from his grasp, and he was then disarmed and put in 
charge of a guard. He lived below Hurley, and the stream Prey- 
maker was named after him. 

They then crossed the creek to the other Indian dwellings, and 
destroyed all they could find. Being about to return, and finding 
the Indian Chief Preymaker an incumbrance, as " being too old to 
walk and the distance too great to carry him," they valiantly 
struck him down with his own axe. On theii" way back they were 
attacked by some Indians concealed in the bushes, and had one 
man wounded. " Making fight, the Indians fled to a thick woods, 
where they could not be joursued, and the soldiers marched home." 

On the 3d of June, Oratany, chief of the Hackensack and Hav- 
erstraw Indians, at the instance of Seewackamano, one of the 
Esopus sachems, appeared before Stuyvesant, and sued for peace 
in their name. He told Stuyvesant that Seewackamano, only a 
few days before, had called together the Wanwassutje Indians (the 
Warwassings), and asked them wliat they would do. ' ' We will 
fight no more was their answer." He next asked the squaws 
"what seemed best." They answered, "Let us plant our field 
in peace and live in quiet." He then went to the young men, who 
lived apart in another quarter, "and asked their opinion too." 
Their answer was, " They would not kill hog or fowl any more." 
That, having thus the consent of all classes to make peace, he had 
come down to get them — the Hackensacks and Haverstraws — to in- 
tercede in tlieir behalf. While there in that behalf, and only the 
day before, he had heard of the expedition of Smit and the killing 
of " their greatest and best chief." The news had fallen heavily 
on his heart, and he did not know what to do. " He had gone 
home to apjjease his people, would return in ten or twelve days, 
and left the Hackensacks and Haverstraws to do the best they 
could with the Dutch ; for himself he had no hope." 

Stuyvesant assured him that the Christians wanted peace. The 
old cliief replied : " It is strange, then, that your people have so 
lately killed their chief. They mourn his loss." 

It was then agreed that there should be a truce, while he, Ora- 
tany, and his sachems wejit up to Esopus witli Claes de Ruyter, 
to see wluit was the true disposition of the Indians. Claes was 
then authorized to go with them and make a treaty, provided they 
would ]'etm-n the ransom paid for prisoners afterward murdered, 
and retire from the Esojjus land. Claes and Commander Smit 
soon reported that they were willing to accept those terms, but 



HISTORY OF KIKGSTON. 19 

wanted the director to come with an intei-preter called Weather- 
cock. The Minnisink savages, who had engaged with the Esopus, 
also wanted terms. 

The council of New Netherland concluded to send Stuyvesant 
to Esopus with two old burgomasters, Martin Cregier and Olott 
Stevenson Van Cortlandt, to advise with him. On the 7th of July 
this party left Manhattan. On the 9th they arrived at Esopus, 
and they received on board the Highland chiefs, who sent two 
Indians to notify the Esopus Indians. The Esopus Indians did 
not appear until the 14th of July, toward evening. On the next 
day, the loth of July, there was a memorable gathering of Chris- 
tians and savages " on the flat near the strand gate," Just without 
the enclosure of the village, " under the sky of heaven." * 

There were met in conference the Indian sachems Kaelkop, See- 
wackamano, Nosbabowan, and Pemmyrameck ; Msopus : Adog- 
beguewalgus, Requescecade, Ogkuekelt ; If aquas : Eskyras, alias 
Aepje-Ampumst ; MoJi leans : Keese\\'ing, Machacknemenn ; Cats- 
Ail/s : Onderis, Hoeque, Kaskongeritschage ; Jlinquas : Isses- 
chahga, Wisachganio ; Wajjpmgtrs : Oratany, Carstaugh ; Hack- 
ensacJiS : Warchen ; Stafen Island : together with the director 
and his advisers, the interpreter, " Old Weathercock, Arent Van 
Curler," and all the inhabitants of Esopus. 

After much talking with the Indians to and fro, and Stuyvesant 
consenting to peace, Onderis addressed the Esopus sachems, and 
said : " Ye must not renew this quarrel ; neither kill horse nor 
cow, nor steal any property. Whatever ye want ye must purchase 
or earn." After some more talking to and fro, he said : " Throw 
down the hatchet. Tread it so deep into the earth that it shall 
never he taken up again." He then presented them a belt of white 
wampum. 

The Macquas then addressed tlie Dutch, and charged tliem not 
to renew the quarrel, " nor beat the Esopus savages in the face and 
then laugh at them. ' ' Then, taking an axe from the hands of an 
Esopus chief, he threw it on the ground, jumped on it, and said : 
" Now, they will never commence this quarrel again." 

The Esopus chief, rising slowly, said : ' ' We have permitted the 
hatchet to be taken from our hands and trodden in the ground. 
We wUl never again take it up." 

The conditions of peace were then submitted and agreed to sub- 
stantially, as follows : 

All hostilities were to cease, all injuries forgiven and forgot- 
ten. The Dutch to have all the land of Esopus, and the Indians 
to depart from and not plant thereon. The directors to pay eight 



Th.at is supposed to have been near where the academy now is. 



20 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

hundred schepels corn for the Christian prisoners, " one half this 
harvest, and the other half next year, when the maize is ripe." 
The Indians were not to kill any horses, cattle, or hogs ; and if 
they did, were to pay for them, or remain nnder arrest until dam- 
ages were paid, the Dutch agreeing to the same terms. There 
was not to be war for murder, but the guilty parties were to be pun- 
ished. The Indians were not to approach the plantations or dwell- 
ings armed, and only to drink brandy and spirituous liquors in 
their own camp, in the woods at a gTeat distance. The peace was 
to include the friends of both sides, and the chiefs mentioned 
were to be security for the observance of these conditions by the 
Esopus Indians. 

Thus terminated what has been styled the first Esopus war. 
As has bef oi'e been said, we have but little information in regard to 
it. Much of what we do know is not complimentary to the human- 
ity and much less to the Christianity of the whites. It was started 
by a cold-blooded, brutal, and cowardly murder. Afterward, while 
the Indians were praying and beseeching for peace, their cries 
were for a long time unheeded, their villages and planting- 
grounds were destroyed, their old men killed, their warriors, in 
the hands of the whites as prisoners, sent to the tropics to wear 
out their helpless existence in bondage and in the mines. 

Would that an impenetrable veil could have been drawn over 
not only that, but the heartless provocations by which former 
Indian wars were also provoked, that it has been our duty to 
notice ! 



CHAPTER II. 

FROM THE TREATY OF PEACE AFTER FIRST ESOPUS WAR TO AND 
INCLUDIKG ORGANIZATION OF WILTWYCK GOVERNMENT, 1661. 

IN the month of Febraary, 1650, the directors in Holland wrote 
to Governor Stny vesant approving of his proceedings at Esopiis, 
in comiielling the inhabitants to concentrate in a fortified enclos- 
ure ; that they deemed it the safest and best way for protection 
and defence, and directed that it must be done on aU occa- 
sions and at all settlements of outlying farmers in the open 
counti'y. 

An extract is given from another letter from the directors to 
Governor Stuyvesant, written at about the same time as the one 
above noticed, showing that exaggerated and fabulous tales, usually 
circulated in connection with discoveries and resources of new 
countries, were not wanting in this case : 

" We have lately been shewn a small piece of mineral, which 
is said to have come from New Netherland, and which we found 
to be good and pure copper, so that we have thought it worth 
while to hear Claes De Ruyt-er about it, a person who showed that 
he was not ignorant of it, and consequently demonstrated, that a 
copper mine was said to be in the Neversinks. Also that there 
was lying, between the Manhattans and the South river a Crystal 
^fountain of which he says he brought several specimens." They 
then urge the director-general and council to thoroughly investi- 
gate the matter and send specimens, etc. 

On the 22d of July, 1659, the director-general and his council re- 
plied, expressing great astonishment at the reported discovery. It 
was beyond their knowledge. The agricultural importance of 
Esopus, at this time, is apparent from the following extract of a 
letter dated May 12th, 1660, written by Ensign Smitt to the director- 
general : 

" I have to inform your Honor in regard to the Spring corn, 
which we sowed, that Thomas Chambers has 100 Schepels of barley 
and peas in the ground, and Jurryaen Westphalen, your Honor's 
farmer, has in the ground 100 Schepels of Spring wheat and Barley, 
as well as Peas and oats and Cornells Barentsen Slecht 50 Schep- 
els of Spring wheat, nine of Peas and a few of Barley, and the 



22 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

•widow StoU 45 Scliepels of Spring wheat, 12 Scliepels of Barley, and 
4 of peas. So that altogether 320 Schepels of Spring grain have 
been sowed. Thomas Chambers has also sowed 75 Schepels of 
Winter wheat, and CorneUs Barentsen Slecht 20 Schepels of winter 
wheat, and it has come up nicely in the fields." So that if Esopns 
conld not boast of its mineral, it could truly of its agricultural 
wealth. 

A short time prior to the Indian war, of which we have just 
given an account, the classis of the Dutch Church at Amster- 
dam became awakened to the spiritual wants of their brethren at 
Esox^us. They persuaded and encouraged Harmanus Blom, who 
was then preparing for the ministry in Holland, to visit this coun- 
try. He did so, and arrived at Esopus in August, 1659. He 
preached two sermons on the Sabbath, and had a conference with 
Indians outside of the stockade. The people then immediately 
organized a church, tendered Mr. Blom a call to become their pas- 
tor, and he returned to Holland for examination and ordination. 

After his arrival in Holland, the call was regularly approved by 
classis and confirmed by the West India Company. Hannanus 
Blom was then ordained to preach in the New Netherlands, " both 
on water and on the land, and in all the neighborhood, but prin- 
cipally in Esopus." He soon afterward, and about the 1st of 
March, left Holland to assume the charge to which he had been 
assigned ; bearing a letter from the Amsterdam classis to the Dutch 
churches in the New Netherlands, earnestly exhorting them not 
to depart from the usual formuhiry of baptism. His settleiuent in 
Esopus was retarded by the Indian troubles, so that liis nunistra- 
tion at that place did not commence until September, 16G0. 

We find the following guarantee as to the dominie' s salary : 

" The undersigned, inhabitants at the Settlement of the place 
called Esopus, promise to give our Reverend Minister Harmanus 
Blom as Salary for the first year (whicli Salary has commenced 
with his arrival here on the 5th of September, 1660) the sum of 700 
guilders in corn, at beaver valuation, in case his farm should fail, 
and we promise further to put the farm in good order according to 
contract, as soon as the land has been alloted and to raise that sum 
at the latest for the coming farming season. This we the under- 
signed promise faithfully and truly to do. Thus done the 4th of 
March, 1661 

Thomas Chambers 
CoRNELis Barentsen Slecht 
Gertruy Andries 

ROELOFF SwARTWOUT 

Alderdt Heymensen Roose 

JURIAEN WeSTVAEL." 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 23 

Esopus was then without any local government, and, in fact, a 
dependency of Fort Orange. The people were dissatisfied with 
such a dependent position, and wanted a government of their own. 
About that time Roe! off Swartwout, a son of one of the original set- 
tlers, visited Holland, and through his representations and other 
influences the Amsterdam directors of the West India Company 
determined to make the Esopiis settlement an independent juris- 
diction. In furtherance of such object they passed the following 
order : 

" The Directors of the privileged West India Company, Depart- 
ment of Amsterdam, being specially authorized by the College of 
XIX to administer the Government of New Netherlands, make 
known : 

" Whereas it is required to promote justice in tlie village of 
Esopus in New Netherland, that an able and expert person is 
selected to officiate there provisionally as schout ; for which office 
has been recommended to us Roeloff Swartwout, who has resided 
there a considerable time. Therefore we having full confidence in 
the abilities, integrity and expertness of Roeloff Swartwout, ap- 
point him provisionally as the schout of said village at the Esopus, 
investing him with full jiower and authority to act as such, in the 
aforesaid place, and the adjoining district, in confonnity to the 
usages of the office in this country, and agreeable to the instruc- 
tions he receives or may receive from us : to prosecute the contra- 
veners of all politic, civil and criminal laws, and bring them to 
justice, according to the ordinances and placards ; to indict all de- 
linquents in the aforesaid village or jurisdiction, in so far as he 
may deem proper and consonant with his instructions, and to fine 
and punish them in such manner as the law shall dictate ; to en- 
deavor by dilligence and infonnation, to help the Governor remove 
and i)revent all misdeeds ; to assist in the speedy execution of all 
judgments, and further to act in all respects as a schout is bound 
by his oath to do. To this end commanding the Burgomasters, 
Schepens, and inhabitants of said village the aforesaid Roeloff 
Swartwout as our officer and Schout, to assist and support him in 
said office whenever requii'ed, or as in our opinion the ^services of 
the Company and promotion of justice may require it. 

" Done in the meeting of the Directors aforesaid in Amsterdam 
the 15th of April, 1660. 

" Jacob Pebgeus. 

"By his order 

" C. Van Seventee." 

It will be perceived that in this translation the name " schout ''^ 
is retained as the designation of the office, and the word " sheriff'''' 



24 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

is not used ; for although the office of schout was clothed with the 
ordinary duties and powers of the shrievalty, his jurisdiction was 
at the same time much broader and more extensive ; it embraced 
as well the duties of presiding officer of the court in civil actions, 
and the duties of prosecuting attorney in criminal proceedings. 

The instructions to the schout, of even date with the order, 
provided that he should not accept any other office ; that he should 
rank above the burgomasters and schepens ; preside in civil 
actions ; pronounce judgments and give warnings in the name of 
the court ; publish all orders relative to the excise in the village, 
with the knowledge of the director and court, and execute them 
agi'eeably to their contents. 

That he should take care that the villages may be cleaned of all 
villains and sharpers ; that neither whores, panders, brothels, or 
similar lewd houses should be permitted. To this end, and to 
avoid all violence and tumults, he should be always ready to trav- 
erse the city with his attendants, visit the churches, markets, and 
other meetings. 

He was further directed to apprehend all delinquents, and prose- 
cute them within four days after commitment, by prosecuting them 
before court for judgment ; to execute the judgment without re- 
prieve, and to execute his rolls in conformity with those made at 
Amsterdam on the 27th day of April, 1656. 

For compensation, he was entitled to have one half of all civil 
tines, except those imposed by virtue of ordinances on taxation ; 
one third of aU criminal fines ; one half the costs of aU summonses, 
and siich salary as might thereafter be granted him. He was pro- 
hibited from receiving any presents either directly or indirectly. 

Within a few days after the date of the preceding order Roeloff 
Swartwout embarked for America, accompanied by Cornells 
Jacobs Van Leeuwen, Arent Meuwens, and Adriaen Huyberts. 
They reached New Amsterdam in the early part of the summer. 
Immediately after his arrival Swartwout presented the order ap- 
pointing him schout to the director-general, and demanded to be 
sworn and inducted into office. Stuyvesant refused to comply, 
and at once wrote to the board at Amsterdam that he had not and 
could not administer the oath of office to Swartwout ; that he was 
too young a man, and incompetent ; that the appointment was 
premature ; that there was no court at Esopus, nor was there any 
likelihood that there would be any, " for there is no one capable 
of sitting on the bench." He further alleged that "a person of 
more mature age, higher talents and respectability, would be re- 
quired, as he would be required to act as commissary for the com- 
pany." 

The refusal of Swartwout was received by the directors at Am- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 25 

sterdam in September. They were very indignant at the refusal, 
and at once rej^roved the governor very severely, and peremptorily 
ordered him to caiTy out their instructions, and administer the 
oath to Swartwout and induct him into office. 

In order fully to comply with the wishes of the goveiTiing di- 
rectors, and obey the peremptory mandate, Stuyvesant, as director- 
general, on the 16th of May, 1661, executed a formal charter to the 
inhabitants of Esopus, and conferred municipal powers on the set- 
tlement. He conferred upon the municipality the name of ' ' Wilt- 
tcyck''^ in commemoration of the fact that the soil was a free gift 
from the Indians. 

The following is a translation of the order as entered in the 
Wiltwyck records : 

"May 16, 1661. Director General Petrus Stuyvesant, dele- 
gated and authorized in all matters of government relating to the 
public welfare of all the country of New Netherland, by power 
and commission from the noble Lord Directors of the privileged 
West India Company, obeserving the situation and condition of a 
place called the Esopus, which has now been inhabited and settled 
six or seven years ; hath, in consideration of the situation and 
population thereof, erected the locality into a village and given it 
the name of Wiltwyck, whereby it shall be called now and hence- 
forward." 

The charter granted by the director-general is quite lengthy and 
specific in its provisions. A full copy will be given in the Appen- 
dix. It was intended to and did grant a municipal government 
conforming, as near as possible under the differing circumstances, 
to that of towns in the " Fatherland," except that it was made sub- 
ordinate to the director-general and council at New Amsterdam. 

The government was to be administered by a Board of Magis- 
trates, consisting of the sellout as presiding officer, and three 
schepens or aldermen ; the schepens to be chosen or appointed 
annually by the director-general and council at New Amsterdam. 
The retiring schepens were particularly enjoined in the charter 
" to pay due attention to the conduct, conversation, and abilities 
of honest and decent persons, inhabitants of their village ; to in- 
form the director-general and council, about the time of election, 
who were sufficiently qualified to be appointed." 

Before them as a court all cases and questions relating to the po- 
lice, security, and peace of the inhabitants, and all suits between man 
and man, were to be brought, heard, examined, and detemiined. 
Their judgment in cases involving fifty guilders and under was 
final. In cases involving higher sums, the right of appeal to the 
director-genei"al and council was given to the aggrieved party, pro- 
vided the appeal was taken within a specified time, and security 



& 



26 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

given for the payment of the costs. If, in the decision of any case, 
a difference of opinion existed in the court, the opinion of the 
majority was to control. 

It was made the duty of the schout, as before stated, to jireside 
at the court or meeting of the schepens, and until further ordered 
act as their secretary. Except, however, when acting in his own 
interest or in behalf of " the rights of the Lord Patroons," or as 
prosecuting officer, he should not preside nor officiate as a j^art of 
the court. 

In sucli case one of the oldest schepens was directed to preside. 
The schout, as well as each of the schepens, were prohibited from 
officiating as a member of the court whenever personally interest- 
ed, or of near relationship or affinity to any of the parties. 

These officers were required to hold their court every fortnight, 
harvest time exceiJted, unless necessity or occasion might other- 
wise require. 

" All criminals and delinquents guilty of wounding, bloodshed, 
fornication, adultery, public and notorious thefts, robberies, smug- 
gling or contraband, blasphemy violating God's holy name and 
religion injuring or slandering the supreme magistrates or their 
representatives were required with informations affidavits and wit- 
nesses to be refeiTed to the Director General and Council of New 
Netherland." 

All lesser crimes, including "quarrels, injuries, scolding, kick 
ing, beating, threatening," etc., were left to the adjudication of 
the aforesaid local court, with right of appeal reserved to the con- 
demned. In those cases the schout was required to act as prose- 
cutor. 

The aforesaid officers were also empowered to make orders re- 
specting " public roads, enclosures of lands, gardens and orchards, 
and matters that might concern the country and agriculture : also 
relative to the building of churches, schools and other similar 
public works, as well as the means from which, and in what man- 
ner they shall be worked and regulated." But all such orders, 
liefore becoming operative or binding, were to be siibmitted, with 
their reasons, to the director-general and council, for " their con- 
firmation, approval, and command, if by them deemed necessary 
and useful." 

These officers were also requii'ed to enforce oljedience to " the 
law of our Fatherland and the ordinances and published plackards 
of the Director General and Council ;" and they were strictly en- 
joined to prosecute all transgressions thereof, and prohibited from 
publishing any act of their own without the previous consent and 
approval of the director-general and council. 

They were also required " to assist the Noble Lord Directors as 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIS^. 27 

Lords and Patroons of the New Netlieiland Provinces nnder the 
Soverignity of the High and Mighty Lords of the Staats General 
of the United Provinces, and to assist in maintaining them in their 
high jurisdiction, rights, domains, and all their other pre-emi- 
nences." 

The director-general, abont the same time the said charter was 
granted, promulgated the following orders or by-laws : 

1. No person was to Avork on the Sabbath. 

2. No one should give an entertainment, sell spirituous liquors, or 
be intoxicated on that day, iinder pain of line and imprison- 
ment. 

3. For the prevention of fires, the construction of wooden chimneys 
was prohibited ; also the building of roofs covered with cane or 
straw, unless the garret floor was laid tight with boards. 

4. The sellout and schepens were to appoint fire wardens, Avho were 
to visit every house at least once in every month to see that they 
were properly built and cleaned. 

Delinquents to be fined one florin for first offence, two for the 
second, and four for the thii-d. 

5. All j)ersons to keep good fences and gates. 

6. Every one to enclose his lot within four mouths and build a 
house on the same in one year or forfeit it. 

7. The stockade to be kept in good order, and gates closed every 
night undei' a penalty of three guilders. 

8. No one to propose a religious dispute under a penalty of three 
days in jail, on bread and water. 

9. Every one must respect and assist in family worship. 

Evert Pels, Cornells Barentse Slecht, and Elbert Hymans 
Roose, were by the charter designated as the first board of 
schepens. 

On the 27th of June, shortly after the promulgation of the 
charter, the director-general, in compliance with the aforesaid per- 
emptory order of the home directors, commissioned and adminis- 
tered the oath of office to Roeloff Swartwout, as sellout, thus com- 
pleting the organization of the first village and first judicial tii- 
bunal in this section of the State. 

The first meeting of the court was held on the 12tli day of July, 
1661, in Wiltwyck. It made an order to meet and hold court on 
Tuesday of every other week until further order from the director- 
general and council at New Amsterdam. 

At that meeting it appointed Jacob Joosten as messenger for 
the court and the church, with an annual salary of two hundred 
guilders in sewan, subject to the approval of the director-general. 
No business of importance was transacted at that meeting, except, 
on the petition of the sergeant in command of the soldiers, it di- 



28 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

rected Pieter Van Allen, the shoemaker, instead of shipping some 
wheat, to sell it to the sergeant, if he paid for it on delivery. 

It being harvest, the court adjonrned until the 13th of September. 

The court met again on the adjoumed day, and held its regular 
bi-weekly meetings during the rest of the year ; at which jneet- 
ings it adjusted some trifling complaints that were bronght before 
it, granted house lots to some applicants, and fixed the price of 
millers' toll at eight stivers in sewan per schepel, or the tenth when 
customers had no sewan. 

Eoeloff Swartwout, the schout, was born in Amsterdam in 
1634, came to this country about 1655, and settled first at Fort 
Orange. He remained there only a very short time and went to 
Esopus, whei'e he began farming on his own account. On the 13th 
of August, 1657, he mariied the widow of Anthony de Hooges and 
daughter of Albert Andrisen Bradt. It was said that it was the 
influence of his wife's and her first husband's families that secured 
him the office. He lived the latter part of his life, after losing his 
office, on his farm at Hurley. 

The three schepens were all old settlers of the country, emi- 
grating from Holland. Tryntje Tysen Bos, the wife of Slecht, was 
duly licensed by Stuyvesant as midwife as early as 1655. Slecht 
died in 1671 ; left a number of children, the youngest of whom, 
Petronella, was the wife of Jochem Hendrick Schoonmaker, who 
after his marriage moved to Mombaccus, now Rochester, and be- 
came the progenitor of the Schoonmakers, now scattered in large 
numbers through different parts of this county and elsewhere. 

We have no definite infonnation of the number of inhabitants 
at Wiltwyck at this time. The best guide for an estimate that we 
have is a schedule of old and newly surveyed lots made out in the 
year 1662, for which purpose, and as furnishing reliable informa- 
tion of the names of some of the heads of families then residing 
there, it is given here entire. 

Of course it does not contain the names of all the residents at 
that time, not even of all the heads of families, and certainly not 
of the unmarried men and farm and other laborers. 

LIST OF OLD LOTS. 

1. Tliomas Chambers. 9. Andries, the weaver. 

2. Evert Pels. 10. Jan de Brabander. 

3. Balthazer Carel Stuyvesant. 11. Jan Broersen. 

4. Minister's house and lot. 12. Michael Verre. 

5. Mrs. De Hulter's. 13. " " 

6. Jacob Govier, little farm. 14. Jan Depuit. 

7. Jacob Jansen, 2d farm. 15. Annetje Vandersluys. 

8. Hendrick Sewan Stringer. 16. House and lot of Geertrig. 





NEW 


LOTS, 


1. 


Hendrick, the smith. 


iG. : 


2. 


Hendrick Martense. 


17. : 


3. 


Harmamis Hendrix Blew. 


18. . 


4. 


Jan Jansen, carpenter. 


19. ' 


5. 


Jacob Barents. 


20. 


6. 


Jan de Baker. 


21. ' 


7. 


Jacob Joosten. 


22. 


8. 


Willem Pauli. 


23. ' 


9. 


Peter Van Alen. 


24. 


10. 


Mattys Roelofson. 


25. 


11. 


Jacob Burhans. 


26. 


12. 


Gerret Van Campen. 


27. 


13. 


Anthony Crispell. 


28. 


14. 


Albert Gerretsen. 


29. 


15. 


Dr. Gysbertsen " Van Im- 


30. 




borch." 


31. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 29 



Dirck Floriaen. 
Mattys Capito. 
Jan Laurensen. 
Casther, the Nomian. 
Barent GeiTetsen. 
The Church. 
Hans Barentsen. 
The Church. 
Albert Heymanse. 
Juriaen Westphael. 
Nicholas Willem Stuyvesant. 
Albert Gysberts. 
28. Tjerck Claesen. 
Peter Jacobsen. 
Jan R. 
Evert Petersen. 

The fact, which appears upon examination, that it does not con- 
tain the names of the sellout and of two of the scJiej^ens, Slecht 
and Roose, is strong e^ddence that it is not a complete record of 
all the dwellings. At this time, besides the various dwellings and 
the church, there was a small grist-mill in the neighborhood of 
where the tannery now stands in North Front Street, near the 
corner of Washington Avenue. The mUl pond extended up the 
low grounds toward the south, west of Green Street. The mill was 
owned by Slecht, the scJiei)en, and his house was near it. It was 
run by Peter Jacobsen. The church was located on the northeast 
corner of what is now Wall and Main streets, being part of the lot 
on which the First Dutch Church now stands. The precise loca- 
tion of the houses cannot now be designated with any degree of 
certainty. Such had been the frequent difficulties with the Ind- 
ians, and continued apprehensions of trouble, that many of the set- 
tlers had not then as yet put up buildings of a permanent charac- 
ter. They were principally built of logs one story high, with a 
gaiTet or loft, which was generally used as a sleeping apartment by 
at least a part of the family. The roof was covered with boards or 
thatched with reeds or straw. The chimneys were built of stone at 
one end of the house on the outside, with a large open fireplace open- 
ing inward. That there had been some stone dwellings erected is 
infeiTed from the remark made by Dominie Blom in his account of 
the burning of Wiltwyck by the savages a short time thereafter, 
that " the houses were converted into heaps of stones." 



CHAPTER III. 

FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF WILTWYCK, 1661, TO THE SURRENDER 
TO THE ENGLISH IN 1664. 

ALTHOUGH the treaty of peace had been formally made and 
assented to by the Indians as well as by the settlers, and hos- 
tilities had ceased, still there Avere frequent signs of discontent on 
the part of the savages. The unfortunate and, to use the mildest 
term, the unwise action of the director-genei'al, in sending a num- 
ber of his captive savages to work in the mines in the tropics, and 
his inability thereby to restore them to their tribe, was not forgot- 
ten or forgiven by the Indians. It constantly rankled in their 
bosoms, and kept burning fiercer and fiercer, until it culminated, 
with other real or fancied causes of discontent, into a horrid butch- 
ery and another bloody war. 

The inhabitants of Esopus, alanned at evidences of dissatisfac- 
tion and unfriendliness on the part of the Indians, asked the direct- 
or-general for a guard, and also organized themselves into a mili- 
tary corps. Of the organized militia, Thomas Chambers was made 
captain, Hendrick Jochem Schoonmaker, lieutenant, and Roeloff 
Swartwout, Hendrick Jansen, Cornells Barentse Slecht, and Peter 
Jacobsen, minor officers. An occasional drill gave them some 
knowledge of their duties to serve in case of an attack or danger. 

In other respects matters passed along as usual in the settle- 
ment, the farmers, mechanics, and laborers performing their ac- 
customed duties, the sellout and the schepens being called upon 
occasionally to administer even-handed justice, in which they some- 
times succeeded to the satisfaction of one of the parties and some- 
times to that of neither. Then, as is frequently the case in the ex- 
perience of the courts of the present day, the more even handed 
the justice is which is administered, the less probability there is of 
either of the litigants being satisfied. 

The ministration of Dominie Bloin in his holy calling had so far 
been productive of very satisfactory results ; the membership of his 
church had increased in numbers during the first three years of his 
ministry from sixteen to sixty, and everything in church matters 
was well ordered and prosperous. 

The settlement was now, however, on the verge of other and 



HISTOET OF KINGSTON. 31 



more startling events, mingled with horrible scenes of savage 
cri^elty and vengeance, the facts of which, as here detailed, are 
taken and gathered from the official reports made at the time, and 
are neither colored nor exaggerated ; but they exhibit in strong 
colors the hardships and dangers attending a border life, particu- 
larly where the savage is left to feel that he is a victim of injustice. 

The population of the village had rapidly increased, and a new 
settlement had been started at what is now called Hurley, about 
three miles farther in the interior, which was then designated as 
" the new village." The military by which they had been there- 
tofore protected had been withdrawn and only a small guard left, 
which was quartered at the redoubt or fort situated near the junc- 
tion of the Rondout stream with the river. The savages showed 
signs of dissatisfaction and hostility — complained that the cap- 
tives taken from them in the fonner war were not liberated and 
returned to them, and constantly muttered threats of vengeance. 
Stuyvesant was informed of this state of things, when he sent word 
that he would soon be up to make them presents and renew peace. 
This message was communicated to the savages by Thomas Cham- 
bers on the 5th of June, 1663; to which they replied that "if 
peace was to be renewed with them, the director-general should, 
with some unarmed persons, sit with them in the open field with- 
out the gate, as it was their own custom to meet nnanned when 
renewing peace or in other negotiations." 

Thrown off their guard by such pacific reply, the inhabitants 
went about their ordinary avocations as usual, the farmers and 
workmen going to Avork upon their farms, and leaving their fam- . 
ilies unprotected at their homes. 

Suddenly, on the 7th day of June, 1663, while the greater part 
of the men were absent in the fields, the Indians entered the vil- 
lage about noon in bands through all the gates, and divided and 
scattered themselves through the houses and dwellings in a friendly 
manner, having with them some maize and a few beans to sell. 
After they had thus been in the place for about a quarter of an 
hour, some people on horseback rushed through the mill gate from 
the new village (Hurley), crying out, ' ' The Indians have destroyed 
the new village." The instant that cry was heard, the Indians, 
who were scattered through Wiltwyck, began a general attack 
upon the people, murdering them in their houses with axes and 
tomahawks, and tiring on them with guns and pistols. They 
seized whatever women and children they could catch, and carried 
them prisoners outside the gates ; they plundered the houses and 
set the village on tire to the windward, the wind at the time blow- 
ing from the south. The remaining Indians commanded all the 
streets. Firing upon the inhabitants wherever they could see or 



32 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

reach them, they killed and wounded a number. Providentially, 
when the flames were at their height and the destruction of the 
entire village appeared inevitable, the wind suddenly shifted to 
the west, stayed the progress of the fire, and saved a part of the 
village from destruction. 

At the time of the attack very few men— less than a dozen — were 
within the stockade, and they were scattered in different parts of 
the place. As soon as they could concentrate and rally together 
they seized whatever weapons they could and fought for their 
lives, and attacked the Indians vigorously. 

The sight of the conflagration and the noise of the conflict 
alanned those in the fields and brought them to the I'escue. Lieu- 
tenant Schoonmaker was one of the first to arrive, and at once 
entered into the conflict. He was wounded twice, but fought on 
regardless of wounds or danger. Captain Chambers also soon 
arrived. He received a severe gunshot wound while on his way in, 
but notwithstanding rushed into the heat of the fray. Others also 
arriving from the fields near by, they were enabled to turn upon 
the Indians and put them to flight. They chased them without 
the gates, and found that the Indians who had charge of those 
taken prisoners had ah-eady moved them beyond reach. They 
then returned into the village, and their first care was devoted to 
the wounded and dying. 

When all the absentees had reached the village, they mustered 
sixty-nine efficient men. They then repaired the damages to the 
stockade, and set and distributed a watch round the village for the 
night. 

Dominie Blom, in his description of the massacre, says : 

' ' There lay the burned and slaughtered bodies, together with 
those wounded by bullets and axes. The last agonies and the 
moans and lamentations of many were dreadful to hear. I have 
been in their midst, and have gone into the houses, and along the 
roads, to speak a word in season, and that not without danger of 
being shot by the Indians ; but I went on my mission, and consid- 
ered not my life mine own. I may say with Jeremiah, ' I am he 
who hath seen misery in the day of the wrath of the Lord.' . . . 

" The burned bodies were most frightful to behold. A woman 
lay burned, with her child at her side, as if she were just delivered, 
of which I was a living witness. Other women lay burned also in 
their houses ; and one corpse with her f rait still in her womb, most 
cruelly murdered in their dwelling with her husband and another 
child. The houses were converted into heaps of stones." 

In the attack upon Wiltwyck there were twelve men, includ- 
ing three soldiers and a negro, also four women and two children, 
murdered, eight men wounded, four women and four children 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 33 

taken prisoners, and twelve houses burnt. At the new village there 
were three men killed ; one man, eight women, and twenty-six 
children taken prisoners. The new village was entirely destroyed ; 
eveiy building was burned except a new unfinished barn. 

The names of the murdered at Wiltwyck are given as follows : 
Barent Gerritson, Jan Albrechtsen, Lechten Derick, Willem Janse 
Hap, Jan, the smith, Hendrick Jansen Looman, Harry Olferts a 
negro belonging to Thomas Chambers, Willem Jansen Lebe. 
Soldiers Hendrick Martens, Dondnicus and Christian Andriesen, 
were among the slain. Lechten Derick' s wife was burned with her 
child ; Mattys Capito's wife was killed and burned in the house ; Jan 
Albrechtsen' s wife was killed in the last stages of pregnancy. Peter 
Van Hart's wife was shot and burned in the house ; Jan Albrecht- 
sen' s little giii was murdered with her father ; William Hap' s child 
Avas burned alive in the house. 

Those taken prisoners wei-e Master Gysbert's wife ; Hester Douw 
and her daughter Sarah ; Grierje, Avife of Dominic Laer, and child ; 
Femmitje, wife of Joost Ariaens ; the oldest daughter of Tjerck 
Clausen De "Witt ; a daughter of Ariaen Gerretsen, and two little 
boys of Mattys Roeloffsen. 

The wounded were Thomas Chambers, Hendrick Jochem Schoon- 
maker, Michael Freere, Albert Gerretsen, Andries Barents, Jan de 
Carle, Hendrick a servant of the director-general, and Paulus de 
Koorman. 

The houses burned were those of Michael Freere, Willem Hap, 
Mattys Roeloffsen, Albert Gerretsen, Lechten Derick, Hans Car- 
olusen, Peter Van Haerlem, Jacob Boerhaus, Barent Gerx-etsen, 
Mattys Gerretsen. 

Fortunately for the Dutch settlers in W^iltwyck, the Indians did 
not renew their attack, but left for their homes, carrying their 
captives with them. This gave the citizens an opi^ortunity to send 
for re-enforcements and prepare for defence. 

Information was at once sent to the director-general, and he 
i:)romptly forwarded on the 12th a re-enforcement of forty-two men 
under Sergeant Niessen, who arrived at Rondouton the IBth or 14th 
of June, 1663. 

Toward evening on the 16th of June Sergeant Messen, with his 
command and three wagons, went to the redoubt to bring up am- 
munition. On their return they were, at the top of the first hill, 
attacked by the Indians, who attempted to capture the ammuni- 
tion. The sergeant divided his men into separate bodies and skir- 
mished with the Indians, until they reached beyond the second hill, 
so well and successfully that the wagons, with the ammunition, 
were all brought safely into Wiltwyck. The sergeant lost one 
man kiUed and six wounded. A number of the Indians were 
3 



34 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

killed, but how many is not known. The body of the dead man 
was brought in the next morning. It had been stripped naked by 
the Indians, and the right hand cut off. 

Stnyvesant at once took active measures to send a large force to 
the assistance and defence of Wiltwyck. He issued a proclama- 
tion, inviting the colonists about Manhattan to enlist, offered 
them tlie pay of a soldier, what booty they took, and a pension of 
from four hundred to one thousand guilders if they were disabled. 
The chief men in tlie settlements on Long Island discouraged the 
raising of volunteers, and few were obtained there ; but a consider- 
able force was collected in New Amsterdam, and forty-six Marse- 
ping savages from Fort Neck were engaged as auxiliaries. The 
command-in-chief was intrusted to Burgomaster ISIartin Kregier as 
captain-lieutenant, under whom were Schepen Van Couwenhoven, 
Lieutenant Nicholas Stilwell, and Sergeant Pieter Ebel. The ex- 
pedition sailed in two sloops, landed at Eondout on the 4th of July, 
and marched up to Wiltwyck. Guarded wagons carried the sup- 
plies to the village which had been brought by the sloops. 

Written instructions were given by the director-general for the 
guidance of the officers at Wiltwyck. Martial law was proclaimed 
and a council of w^ar formed, to consist of Commander Kregier, 
Captain Chambers, and Lieutenant Ilendrick Jochem Schoonmaker 
of the Burgher Guard, and the sellout and schejiens of the village. 
Mattys Capito. was appointed secretary or clerk of the schepen s. 
They were strictly enjoined to barricade all the gates, except the 
two iised in driving cattle, not to allow any small parties to go 
out, and with any expedition that was sent out to send horses for 
the conveyance of rescued captives. 

Through a Wappinger Indian, who had come into the fort, they 
ascertained that a party of the Esopus Indians were living on the 
east side of the river, iipon the main-land back of Magdalen Island ; 
and they also learned from him that the hostile Indians were to- 
gether about two hundred strong, consisting of Esopiis Indians 
and of Wappingers and thirty IManissings. 

On the evening of the 9th of July, 1663, by direction of the 
council of war, a force of twenty soldiers and twelve Indians were 
sent out, under the command of Christian Wietsen and Peter Wol- 
vertsen, to endeavor to sui-prise and take the band of Indians lying- 
back of Magdalen Island. By mistaking the route, they did not 
reach the jjlace until mid-day, so that they failed to surjarise them, 
but, on the contrary, found them posted and in arms. The soldiers 
immediately, however, attacked, routed, and pursued them. They 
killed live armed Indians and a woman. The Esopus chieftain was 
among the slain, and the soldiers took four prisoners. They plun- 
dered the huts, where they found nineteen blankets, nine kettles, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 35 

a lot of sewan, and four muskets, and on the 12th returned to 
Wiltwyck vvitli tlieir plunder and prisoners, consisting of a squaw 
and three children. They lost one man killed and one bitten by a 
rattlesnake. 

An effort was made, through some friendly Indians, to procure 
the release of the prisoners taken by the Indians, but without suc- 
cess, except the release of a few women and children. 

A ransom was paid, by the Indian messengers, and accepted for 
the release of Madam Gysbert Van Imbroeck, but at night the 
chief who had her in custody carried her off. He took her to the 
" Klyne Esopus,'" and kept her concealed there with him in a hut. 
She made one attempt to escape, but lost her way and went back. 
She was successful in her next attempt, and reached her friends at 
Wiltwyck. 

Having failed in repeated efforts, through Jan Davids and some 
Mohawk Indians, to procure the release of any more prisoners, the 
Indians acting with great fierceness and even threatening to kill 
the emissaries, a council of war Avas convened, and it was unani- 
mously determined to send an expedition the next day against the 
Esopus Indians. 

Accordingly, the next day, the 2C)th of July, 1663, at about four 
o'clock in the afternoon, an expedition, about two hundred strong, 
set out, with Mrs. Gysbert Van Imbroeck, the returned prisoner, as 
their guide. They were provided with two pieces of cannon and 
two wagons. Each man was supplied with ammunition and 
rations. There were thirty-six soldiers and twenty-five free men 
left in garrison at Wiltwyck. The exxiedition made but little prog- 
ress that night, finding it very difficult to get through the woods 
at night with a cannon and wagon. They then bivouacked until 
daybreak. The next day they proceeded to the Indian fort, but 
found it deserted. They found three horses there and an old 
squaw, who had come to cut some maize in the field. They re- 
mained in the Indian fort that night, and the next morning a 
detachment was sent to the mountain, where they were informed 
the Indians had gone. That place was also deserted. After 
searching for them without success in one or two other places, 
they returned to the main body at the Indian fort. It was then 
determined to destroy all the plantations of maize in the vicinity 
and whatever supplies could be found, which was done, and they 
returned to Wiltwyck on the 31st of July at nine o'clock at night. 

There has been considerable discussion as to the particular loca- 
tion of the fort above referred to and thus destroyed. It has been 
generally claimed to have been located on a hill near the junction 
of the Rondout and Vernoey Kills, at Warwasing. There have 
been frequently found at that locality the usual evidences of Ind- 



36 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

ian occupancy — arrow-heads, etc. — and the character and shape of 
the surface of the groiind appeared to favor it. But there was un- 
doulitedly an Indian fort near Kahanksen, some four miles east 
of the other locality, also in Warwasing, but not far from the 
Rochester line. The treaty which was subsequently made by 
Governor Nicolls with the Indians in October, 1665 (which will be 
hereafter referred to), in specifying the land released by the Ind- 
ians in that treaty, describes the tract as ' ' lying and being to 
the west and southwest of a certain creek or river called by the 
name of Kahanksen, and so up to the head thereof, wliere Uie old 
fort ?r«.?," etc. The former existence of an Indian fort in that 
locality, therefore, cannot be doubted. Rev. Mr. Scott, who was 
fonnerly pastor of the Refonned Dutch Church at Shawangunk, 
in a communication made by him to the Ulster County Historical 
Society in 1861, and published in the proceedings of that society, 
page 237, insists that the fort destroyed oh the 31st of July, as 
above stated, was the ' ' old fort ' ' referred to in the Nicolls treaty. 
He describes the locality as being " on the south side of the Ka- 
honksen, near the line between Rochester and Warwasing, and just 
north of what is called Shurter Hill. By the present roads the 
spot is twenty-two or twenty-three miles from Kingston, two miles 
from Pine Bush, and about the same distance from INIiddleport. 
From the mouth of the stream to Shurter Hill is nearly two miles, 
and from thence to the head fountain less than one mile. The tine 
lowlands of the Rondout and the Mumbaccus spread out many 
an inviting acre for the cultivation of the maize. The nature of 
the ground made this place a strong defensive position for the 
savage occupants, and any one, standing below in the valley, can 
easily comprehend why Kregier should be compelled to leave his 
cannons and his wagons where he did. An Indian trail led up 
from the mouth of the Kahanksen to the village, and thence turn- 
ing to the south, passed over the hills to Lackawack, and con- 
tinued to the upper waters of the Delaware." He further says : 
" This locality is suited in all respects to the descriptions of Cap- 
tain Kregier— the direction, the route, the situation, the distance, 
and the surroiindings." 

On the 19th of August, 1663, the commandant of the forces at 
Wiltwyck received a letter from Peter CoiiwenlKnen, who lay with 
his sloop in the Dunskamer, notifying him to be on his guard, as 
he was informed that the Esopus Indians, together with the Man- 
issings and Wappingers, were prepared to attack and surprise the 
fort, in about two days, with four hundred men ; that they daily 
made intolerable threats against him. It appears he was then 
upon some negotiation in regard to the release of jn-isoners, and 
stated " that he daily expected tlie arrival of tlie sachem, who had 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 37 

already been four days gone about tlie captured Christians, to 
learn what he should then do and what would be the issue of it." 

Christoffel Davids, who appeared to act as an interpreter, 
brought information that he slept one night with the Indians in 
their wigwams ; that some Esopus Indians and sachems were 
there, who had four Christian captives with them ; that one of the 
female cai)tives had secretly told him, Davids, that forty Esopus 
Indians had already been near the fort to observe the reapers and 
other people. Davids also rei)orted that the Indians had on shore 
several bowls and gourds of brandy, which they obtained daily 
from the sloops ; and the Indians told him they could get as much 
as they wanted, and also all the powder and lead they requii'ed 
from the sloops. 

On the 20th Lieutenant Couwenhoven returned with his sloop, 
and brought with him a Christian woman and boy whom he had 
ransomed. The woman, on entering the Esopus Kill, was brought 
to bed with a daughter. Peter Couwenhoven reported that the 
Indians had promised him to bring in all the captives they had 
within two days, and he was going back to meet them. 

He accordingly went back, taking with him two Indians and a 
squaw, who were prisoners at Wiltwyck, but with instructions 
not to surrender them until he had all the Christian prisoners re- 
turned and in his possession. 

On the 30th Peter Couwenhoven returned to the redoubt, from 
his expedition to the Wappingers, with his sloop and the two 
Wappinger Indians. He had released the squaw, but had only 
procured the release of a Dutchman and two Christian children 
prisoners. 

The "\Vap]3inger sachem had been with the Esopus Indians at 
their fort, wdiich they were erecting anew, in order to procure the 
release of the Christian prisoners ; but when he had been with 
them a couple of days to negotiate for their redemption, two 
Mohawks and one Minqua came there, with sewan and a long 
message, after which the Esoj)us Indians exhibited great unfriend- 
liness toward the Wappingers. He therefore felt compelled to 
leave, without effecting anything toward the release of any of the 
captives. 

They ascertained from this Indian that the new fort was about 
four hours farther off than the other, which locality is suj^posed 
to be in the town of Mamakating, Sullivan County. Upon the 
promise of freedom and a new coat, the Wappinger Indian 
agreed to act as the guide of an expedition against the Indians, 
which was at once detennined upon. 

On the 3d of September, 1663, Captain-Lieutenant Kregier set 
out with fifty-live men, guided by the young Wappinger, against 



38 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the Indians. On the 5th of September, after a very laborious 
march, rendered very fatiguing by almost continuous rain and 
freshets in the streams, they came in sight of the fort at about two 
o' clock in the afternoon. The fort was situated on a lofty plain. 
They divided the force into two sections. Lieutenant Oouwenhoven 
and Kregier commanding the right wing, and Lieutenant Stilwell 
and Sergeant Niessen the left Aving. They proceeded in this disposi- 
tion along the hill so as not to be seen, and to come right under 
the fort. It being somewhat level on the west side of the fort, the 
soldiers were seen by a squaw, who was piling wood there. She 
sent forth a terrible scream, which was heard by and alarmed the 
Indians, who were standing and working near the fort. The sol- 
diers instantly fell upon and attacked them. They rushed through 
the fort to their wigv^ams, which were near by, to secure their 
arms, but with little success, as they were so closely pursued, and 
a continual fire kept upon them by the soldiers. They rushed to 
and across the stream, which ran on the opposite side of their 
plantation. There they made a stand and returned the soldiers' 
lire. They were soon dislodged, however, by the soldiers, who 
crossed the stream after them. They then made good their retreat 
to the woods. 

In this attack the Indian chief named Pepequanehen, fourteen 
waiTiors, four women, and three children were killed, and prob- 
ably many others were wounded who escaped. Of the soldiers 
three were killed and six wounded. Twenty-three Christian pris- 
oners were rescued and thirteen Indian men and women cajjtured. 

The rescued Dutch prisoners stated that the Indians every 
night removed them to the woods, each night selecting a different 
locality, to secure them against rescue, bringing them back to the 
fort in the morning. The last night before their rescue, however, 
they were not removed, a visiting Indian of another tribe having 
told them it was useless, as they were so far in the woods the 
Dutch could not find them. 

The soldiers started on their return the same day, taking their 
wounded and their rescued friends and the Indian prisoners and 
much booty with them. They arrived at Wiltwyck about noon of 
the 7th of September. 

The preceding narrative, compiled from the official report made 
at the time by the commanding officer of the expedition, shomng, 
as it does, the arrangement and order of quiet and secret approach, 
the peaceful and unsuspecting occupation of the Indians, Avoi'king 
at their palisades, when first discovered, in preparation for a stay, 
not a departure, the narrative of the female captives as to their 
treatment up to the time of their rescne, and their extended liberty 
the last night by reason of the Indian fears of rescue being allayed. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 39 

furnishes no letter of credit to the fanciful traditionary talk of the 
captive women singing psahns while being led to the stake and 
fagots preiaared for them, as victims for a holocaust, and of an 
heroic Walloon rushing, sword in hand and in advance, to the 
rescue, dealing death and destruction in his progress. 

Historians have almost unifonnly located the Indian fort sur- 
prised and taken in this final battle of the second Esopus Indian 
war as having been at Bloomingburg, in Sullivan County. The 
Rev. Dr. Scott, in his paper before referred to as read before the 
Ulster County Historical Society in 1861, and published in the 
transactions of that society, clearly demonstrates that the location 
of that fort was not at Bloomingburg, but was in the town of 
Shawangunk, on the east bank of the Shawangunk Kill, two miles 
south of the Bruynswick post-office, and twenty-eight miles from 
Kingston. Mr. Scott proceeds to say : " The mouth of the KiU 
is six miles away, and most of that distance is occui^ied by fine 
and fertile lowland. From the water rises an abrupt declivity of 
singular formation, reaching, it may be, an elevation of seventy -five 
or eighty feet, and then spreading out into a beautiful sandy plateau 
of twenty or thirty acres. The hill-side is covered with the original 
forest, and broken up into what seem to be artificial mounds. On 
the edge of the plain, overlooking the creek, the fort was situated, 
and the wigwams a little distance below. To the north, along the 
Kill, extends a flat of moderate dimensions, but on the opposite side 
are some of the finest lowlands in Ulster County. Here the Indians 
planted their maize, and one spot is yet distinguished as Basha's 
Cornfield. The plateau is covered ■\\ith flints and arrow-heads, 
which every ploughing turns up to the hands of those who iirize them. 

' ' From the village a pathway yet preserved led across the 
mountains to AVarwasink and the Kerhonksen settlement, just 
twelve miles to the north.* This was the Warwasink track ; the 
other track bore ofl' to the traps and through the Clove to Marble- 
towTi ; and yet a third passed eastward to the Hudson through 
Montgomery and New Windsor, and branching near the Walkill 
to the south, gave access from the Esopus clans to the Avigwams of 
the Haverstraws and the Hackensacks. Perhaps there is not in 
southern Ulster a more fitting place for an Indian castle, or one 
more suited to savage tastes. . . . 

'' Legends of battles fought there are yet related by the old to 
the young. ... As stated before, the distance to the Kerhonksen 
Castle was twelve miles, and the mountain over which it passed 
was called Aioskawosting (the place of crossing). 



* It leads over the mountain, crosses tlie west end of the Schoonmaker tract, a short 
distance west of Lake Aioskawosting, commonly called Awasting or Longpond. 



40 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

"The village, which was found abandoned on the 4th of 
October, was in the vicinity of Burlingham. An Indian bnrial- 
ground marks the spot, and a path led from thence to the ' Hunt- 
ing house ' at Wurtsboro'." 

The fort was square, with one row of palisades set all round, 
projecting about fifteen feet high above and extending three feet 
down below ground. They had already completed two angles of 
stout i^alisades, all of them nearly as thick as a man's body, hav- 
ing two rows of j)ortholes one above the other ; and they were, at 
the time of the attack, busy at the third angle. These angles, the 
report says, " were constructed so solid and strong as not to be ex- 
celled by Christians." 

Nothing apparently occurred worthy of note until the 18th of 
September, when a communication was received from the director- 
general and his councillors advising the commandant in charge 
at Wiltwyck that they intended to send, by the first opportunity, 
additional soldiers and a party of Marseping savages to seek out 
and subdue as much as possible the Esopus Indians, and asking 
that necessary arrangements be made to provide them with suit- 
able quarters. The captain-lieutenant and council of war advised 
the sellout and commander of the requirement at Wiltwyck, and 
they secured the mill of Jacob Peterson for that purpose. 
■ On the 24th of September Dominie Blom returned to Wiltwyck 
from a visit to New Amsterdam ; and on the 26th Peter Couwen- 
hoven an-ived with his slooj) at the redoubt with some Marseping 
savages. As the authorities at Wiltwyck had before this experi- 
enced miich trouble from the conduct of the gunner's wife on that 
boat retailing strong di'ink to Indians and Christians, including 
habitual drunkards, without discrimination, and to such an ex- 
tent that they could "not distinguish even the door of the house," 
thus creating broils and trouble between Avhite men and friendly 
Indians, ' ' the captain-lieutenant and valiant coTincil of war' ' sent 
an order to the village schout, whei'el)y they authorized and ordered 
Schout Swartwout of said village ' ' to notify and forbid the tap- 
pers or retailers of strong drink, that they do not under present 
circumstances sell sti'ong drink to any one, be he Christian or 
Indian, under the forfeiture of the intoxicating liquor that may be 
found in his house. Done Wiltwyck, 26th September, 1668." 
(Surely broad enough to satisfy any Prohibitionist of the present 
day.) 

On the 29th of September, the council of war ordered an exj^e- 
dition to set out against the Esopus Inditms on the following 
Monday, the 1st of October, and made the necessary provisions 
and order therefor. 

On the 1st of October, 1063, the expedition, consisting of one 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 41 

hundred and two military, forty-six Marseping Indians, and " six 
freemen," with fourteen horses, set out in the same direction as 
the last one. About two o'clock in the afternoon of the second 
day they reached the fort where the battle had occixrred ; on the 
5th they found in all nine pits, in which the Indians had cast their 
dead, and farther on three Indians, with a squaw and child un- 
buried. That appears to indicate a greater slaiighter of Indians 
than is stated in the preceding account of the battle. On that day 
and the next expeditions were sent out in different directions from 
the fort in search of Indians, but none were fonnd. On the 4th 
the fort, the palisades, wigwams, and all crops in the ground hav- 
ing been destroyed, the expedition started on its return, and anlved 
at Wiltwyck on the evening of the 5th of October. On the 7th of 
October, Sunday about noon, a white girl was brought up from the 
redoubt, who on the day before had arrived on the opposite bank, 
and was immediately brought across the stream. She reported that 
she had escaped from an Indian who held her captive, and who 
lived on the opposite side of the creek, in the mountain, and about 
three miles from AA'iltwyck. An expedition was immediately sent 
to capture the Indian. The hut was found empty and abandoned. 
They remained and watched there during the night and returned 
next day, having destroyed some corn they found there, and bring- 
ing the rest with them. 

On the 9th of October, in accordance with a resoliition of the 
council of war passed on the previous day, Lieutenant Couwen- 
hoven departed in Derick Smith's sloop for New Amsterdam with 
all the Marseping Indians and forty military. 

On the 10th Louis the Walloon went after his oxen, which had 
strayed away. A f ter finding them in the rear of Jurian Westphaleu' s 
land, he was set upon by three Indians, who sprang uj) out of the 
bush. One of them shot at him with an arrow, only slightly 
woimding him, while he, with a piece of palisade he had in his 
hand, struck the Indian on his breast, so that he staggered back, 
and before he recovered himself Louis escaped through the Kill. 
A party was immediately sent out after the Indians, but they 
could not be found. 

After this the military and inhabitants at Wiltwyck were much 
disturbed by reports sent in of Indians congregating on the oppo- 
site side of the river with hostile intentions. But they proved to 
be without foundation. They served the purpose, however, to in- 
duce the council of war and authorities to persist in compelling 
the reluctant and dilatory inhabitants to repair the fort and stock- 
ade. From one of the orders on that subject, it appears that be- 
sides the fanners there were inhabitants or burghers occupying 
thirty-four lots in the village, who were ordered to repair tlie pali- 



42 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

sades in front of their lots. This gives an approximate idea of the 
size of the village at that time, showing that there were then at 
least thirty-four houses in the village, besides those occupied by 
fanners, whose number is believed to have been about twenty. 

On the 7th of November a sloop arrived at the redoubt with 
Peter Wolfertsen, who had with him two Ghiistian children, which 
he had in exchange from the Esopus Indians for a squaw and a 
girl. 

A Wappinger sachem and one of his Indians was also on 
board. An arrangement was made with him to go dowai and en- 
deavor to procure the release of a female Christian captive held in 
custody by a squaw. He was supplied with a bark canoe and left, 
promising to return in six or seven days. The Indian returned 
with the Christian female on the 13th of November upon Rut 
Jacol)son's sloop, for which he was satisfactorily rewarded, and left. 

On the 5tli of November an Esopus chief had agreed with Peter 
Couwenhoven, on board the sloop in the Wappinger Creek, for 
the return of all the Christian prisoners at the redoubt within ten 
days, for exchange, and a ten days' truce was agreed upon. On the 
17th the captain-lieutenant left on a short visit to New Amster- 
dam, taking some of the military with him, leaving about sixty 
soldiers in Wiltwyck, under the command of Sergeant Christian 
Niessen. 

On the 1st of December two captive Christian children were re- 
turned. On Monday the 24th Sergeant Niessen assembled the sellout 
and schepens of the village, and handed them a letter from the 
director-general and council, discharging Swartwout as schout and 
appointing Matthys Capito provisionally in his place. On the 
28th of December all the captives were returned except Barent 
Slecht's daughter. She had man-ied a young wamor, and chose 
to remain with him. The tradition is that years afterward she and 
her Indian husband settled on the Esopus Creek in Marbletown ; 
he was called Jan, but it is not known whether they left any de- 
scendants or not. 

During the rest of the winter the Indians remained quiet, and 
in Marcli, 1064, all the company's troops were withdrawn from 
Wiltwyck. The militia at that time duly organized under the 
command of Thomas Chambers as captain and Hendrick Jochem 
Schoonmaker as lieutenant nirmbered about one hundred able- 
bodied men, showing a considerable increase since the massacre, 
when it numl^ered only sixty-nine. 

On the 10th of November, 1663, Director-General Stuyvesant, 
in his report to the West India Company, stated, in reference to the 
expedition wlien the Indian fort was taken, that, after such last 
attack, the Indians had not more than twentj^-seven or twenty- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 43 

eight effective men, fifteen or sixteen women, and a few cliildren 
remaining ; tliat tlirongli flight they had no abiding place, and 
did not dare to erect any hnts. From information subsequently 
gathered, that estimate was undoubtedly not far, if any, out of 
the way. Of course this refers only to the sj)ecitic baud of sav- 
ages by whom the attack was made. 

While the troubles with the Indians were thus existing at "Wilt- 
wyck, the director-general and the council at New Amsterdam 
were annoyed and perplexed by claims of the English at Hartford 
and New England of title and Jurisdiction over Long Island and 
other portions of the Dutch possessions. It is not the province of 
this work to go into a detail of those matters, but as the final re- 
sult affected Wiltwyck, it is proper to refer to them generally. 
Those claims were pressed in the fall of 1663. The situation of 
affairs then gi-eatly alarmed the local government at New Amster- 
dam. Besides the war which was being waged with the Indians 
about Wiltwyck, and which was entailing considerable expense 
upon the Government, the company's territory was invaded by 
Connecticut, the English villages were in revolt, and the public 
treasury was exhausted. Under that unfortunate situation, the 
burgomasters and schepens of New Amsterdam called upon the 
director-general and council to convoke a convention of the officers 
of the several towns and colonies, to take into consideration the 
state of the provinces. The meeting was called, but the season was 
so far advanced (November 1st) that only delegates from the lower 
towns, including part of Long Island, attended ; Wiltwyck, Fort 
Orange, and Rensselaerwyck were not represented. 

This convention adopted and transmitted a remonstrance " To 
the noble, great and respected Lords the Directors of the Priv- 
ileged West India Comx)any department of Amsterdam." The re- 
monstrants set forth in their petition that the peoj^le had been 
encouraged to leave their " dearly beloved fatherland" by their 
promises to protect them in the possession of their property and 
lands which they settled and occupied, and also ' ' against all civil 
or foreign war, usurpation, and ojjen force." And to this end they 
were bound " to obtain from their high Mightinesses the Staats- 
General, the Supreme Sovereign commissions and patents, in due 
form establishing and justifying your real and legitimate jurisdic- 
tion over this province, and its territory, so far as it extended." 
Then the States-General could have acted and effected a definite 
arrangement and division of their respective limits with England, 
and their rights been respected ; they then proceed to allege that 
" the English to cloak their plans now object that there is no 
proof, no legal commission or patent from their High Mightinesses, 
to substantiate and justify our rights and claims to the property of 



44 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tliis province, and insinuate that, tlirough. the backwardness of 
tlieir High Mightinesses to grant such patent, you apparently in- 
tended to place the People here on slix)pery ice ; giving them lands 
to which your Honours had no right whatever." They also set 
forth that the English Government have granted an unlimited 
patent and commission, which they enforce according to their own 
interpretation. 

Also they allude to the then existing Esopus Indian war and 
the massacre of the inhabitants, attributing it as " occasioned by 
the premature and at this conjunction totally indefensible reduc- 
tion of the soldiery in the province, at a time when they ought 
rather to have been increased and re-enforced." And they substan- 
tially demand pi'otection in their persons, property, and rights, 
and a redress of their grievances. 

During the winter troubles culminated. The English continued 
their demands and encroachments, negotiations progressed, and 
one after another, by the 3d of March, 1664, the Dutch had aban- 
doned every point their enemies had assailed. Connecticut River 
and Westchester were gone, and by convention concluded that 
day, Newtown, Flushing, Gemeco, Heemstede, and Gravesend were 
surrendered. At this important crisis in the affairs of the prov- 
ince, when apparently everything, including titles and govern- 
mental authority, were at loose ends and uncertain, the authorities 
resorted to, and for the first time in the history of the country 
fully recognized, the sovereignty of the people. On the 19th day 
of March, 1664, the lords directors and council of the New Nether- 
lands, at the request of the burgomasters and schepens, summoned 
a general assembly of delegates from the several towns in the prov- 
ince, to take into consideration the state of the province, to meet 
at New Amsterdam on the lOth day of April, 1664. 

On the 31st of March, 1664, an election was held in the village 
of Wiltwyck for the choice of two delegates to such assembly. 
Tliomas Chambers and Gysbert Van Imbroeck were elected by a 
plurality of votes. Credentials were issued to them in the follow- 
ing foi'ui : 

" Whereas, on the summons of the Director General and Coun- 
cil of New Netheiiand, addressed to the Schout and commissaries 
here, it is required that two deputies be sent from our village, 
Wiltwyck, to a General assembly in form of a Landdach, the 
Schout and commissaries have called us, the undersigned inhabi- 
tants of Wiltwyck together, on tlie day underwritten, to elect from 
the Commonalty two proper persons and to authorize the same as 
deputies to the said assembly, which shall be on the 10th April 
next. We have therefore by plurality of votes, chosen the worthy 
persons Thomas Chambers and Gyesbert Van Imbroeck, to whom 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 45 

we hereby give full power and autliority to conclude whatever may 
be for the good of the coinniou weal, and the strengthening of this 
place, and also to do whatsoever shall by them be found wise in 
the premises ; promising to confirm what the said deputies shall 
have decided in the premises to be best for the public good, under 
pain of jjunishment as Contraveners ; to which end we have sub- 
scribed these with our own hands. Done in Wiltwyck this 31st 
March, 1664." It bears a number of signatures, and is certified by 
Matthias Capito, secretary. 

The convention met at New Amsterdam on the 10th of April, 
1664, and there were delegates in attendance from New Amster- 
dam, Rensselaerwyck, Port Orange, Wiltwyck, New Haerlem, 
Staten Island, Brukelen, Midwout, Amersfoort, New Utrecht, Bos- 
wyck, and Bergen. Jereniias Van Rensselaer from Rensselaer- 
wyck was selected as president. 

A long communication was i)resented to the assembly from the 
director-general. He explained to them the necessity of supplies ; 
tliat the West India Company had expended one million two hun- 
dred thousand guilders over and above the receii)ts from customs, 
excise, weigh scales, and tithes. A war was now pending with 
the Indians, and he wished the assembly to decide whether the 
war should be continued or peace made. If the English should 
summon the country to surrender, what should be done >. and he 
X)roj)Osed a tax on mills and cattle. The convention tlien, after re- 
fusing to tax, on the loth adjourned to the 22d of April. 

Before the reassembling of the convention an answer was re- 
ceived from Holland, showing that the requests contained in the 
remonstrance hereinbefore alluded to, as forwarded by the con- 
vention of burgomasters and schexiens, had been complied with ; 
that on the 23d of January, 1664, an act, under the great seal of 
the States-General, had been issued, declaring that the West India 
Company was empowered by its original charter to plant colonies 
in any unoccupied lands in America from Newfoundland to the 
Straits of Magellan, as well on the north as on the south sea, and 
more especially in New Netherland, and confirining the boundaries 
agreeably to the treaty of 1650. And necessary instructions had 
been given to the ambassadors at the British court for their action 
in the premises. 

The directors advised the continuance of the Avar with the 
Esopus Indians for their extermination, and sent a military force 
to check the English. 

On the 22d of April this assembly reconvened, and the des- 
patches from Holland were laid before them. The assembly 
deemed it useless to attempt to reduce the revolted villages, as ad- 
vised by the directors, and also determined that a treaty of peace 



46 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

should at once be concluded witli the Indians. The Indians had 
already sued for peace through friendly sachems, and the situa- 
tion of the province rendered it desirable. 

On the loth of May, 16()4, the sachems of several tribes, includ- 
ing Sewackenamo, Onaghtin, and Pourewagh, chiefs of Esopus, 
assenil^led at the council chamber in Fort Amsterdam, with the 
director-general and various Dutch olRcials, including Thomas 
Chambers, of Wiltwyck. After the preliminaries and details of 
the treaty were talked over and agreed upon, Sewackenamo, one 
of the Esopus chiefs, arose, and several times invoking his god, 
Bachtamo, jirayed for aid to conclude a good treaty with the 
Butch, and that the one they were about negotiating should be, 
like the stick he grasped in his hand, firmly united tlie one end to 
the other ; that all the neighboring chiefs rejoiced at the prospect 
of peace, and that the Marseping Indians were included. He 
came, with his brother sachems, to act on behalf of the Esopus 
Indians, " and to conclude a Peace as firm and as compact as his 
arms" (which he folded together). He then presented his right 
hand to the director-general, and added : " What I say is from the 
fulness of my heart ; such is my desire and that of all my People." 

The treaty was concluded, ratified, and signed the next day, 
May Ifith, amid general rejoicing and salvos of artillery. The de- 
tails of the treaty were substantially as follows : 

By its tenns all that had passed was to be forgotten and for- 
given. The land already given to the Dutch as an indemnity, in- 
cluding the two forts belonging to the Indians, became the prop- 
erty of the Christians. The Indians were not to visit the village 
nor any remote Dutch settlement. They were permitted to plant 
near their new fort, and for one year by their old one. The lands 
in the vicinity of the forts by right of conquest were to belong to 
the Dutch. The Indians were not thereafter to approach the place 
wliere the whites were engaged in any agricultural matters, and a 
violation of that provision would subject them to arrest. They 
were to be jiermitted to sell meat or maize at the lioudout in 
parties of not more than three canoes at a time, on condition that 
they were preceded by a flag of ti'uce to give notice of their ap- 
proach. In any case of murder by a Dutchman of an Indian, or 
the reverse, the guilty party was to be i^unished as a murderer, 
and it would not be a cause for war. All damages for the killing of 
cattle were to be paid for. The conclusion of the treaty was ratified 
by the delivery of a belt of wampum, which is now in the county 
clerk's office, and of which tlie following is a correct picture. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 47 

The termination of the war gave great and universal satisfac- 
tion, and in acknowledgment of their gratitude to the Supreme 
Ruler of the universe, a day of general thanksgiving was pro- 
claimed in the province. 

Swartwout, the deposed sellout, having solicited pardon from 
the director-general, was reinstated as schout at Wiltwyck on the 
loth of February, 1664. In the succeeding month of July, how- 
ever, the director-general and council at New Amsterdam, wishing 
to have a more immediate representative of the "West India Com- 
pany at Wiltwyck, appointed William Beeclvman commissary at 
Esopus and its dependencies. His jurisdiction extended from the 
Katskil], where that of Fort Orange terminated, to the Danskamer, 
a few miles above the Highlands, which was the northern limit of 
the jurisdiction of Fort Amsterdam. 

The English had for some time enviously viewed the Dutch 
possessions in America, and were not long or scrupulous in matur- 
ing plans to acquire them by robbery. . Having already, through 
the settlement of the borders of Connecticut, largely curtailed the 
Dutch domain east of the Hudson River, and also acquired juris- 
diction over a large part of Long Island, tlie King of England, on 
the 12th day of March, 1664, in furtherance of the accomplishment 
of the object, granted by a royal patent to the Duke of York 
and Albany a large territory in America, comprising Long Island 
and all islands in its neighborhood, and all the lauds and rivers 
from the west side of the Connecticut River to the east side of the 
Delaware Bay, thus including the wdiole of the New Netherlands. 

The Duke of York at once i^roceeded to measures for i)rocuring 
possession and control of the territoiy thus granted to him. As 
lord high admiral he detached four shij)s of the British Navy and 
sent them, with alwut four hundred and lifty regular soldiers, with 
their officers, to conquer and take possession of the New Nether- 
lands. Colonel Richard Nicolls was entrusted with the command 
of the expedition, and was designated as tlie duke's dei)uty-gov- 
ernor of the Dutch possessions when reduced. 

As soon as the director-general was advised of the approach of 
this hostile expedition, he took what measures he could for the 
repair of the fortifications and defences of the city ; but the fleet 
were very near, and by the 19th of August were below the Nar- 
rows in Nyack Bay. On the 26th of August Colonel Nicolls 
made a formal summons for the surrender of the city, accompanied 
by a proclamation that all who would submit to his Majesty's gov- 
ernment should be protected by his ]\lajesty's laws and justice, and 
peaceably enjoy their ijroperty. Stuyvesant was determined to 
tight it out and defend to the bitter end, but a large portion of 
the citizens and council, convinced of their inability to defend the 



48 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

city, insisted on a surrender. In fact, the city was in no sense in 
a ijosition to resist an attack. A council of war had reported Fort 
Amsterdam untenable ; and although there were fifteen hundred 
souls in New Amsterdam, there were not over two hundred and 
fifty able to bear arms, besides one hundred and fifty regular sol- 
diers. Stuyvesant was, therefore, compelled to consent to a sur- 
render, o,nd relying upon the assurance of Colonel Nicolls' s prom- 
ise to deliver back the city and fort ' ' in case the difference of the 
limits of this Province be agreed upon betwixt his Majesty of Eng- 
land and the High and Mighty Staats-General," Stuyvesant ap- 
pointed commissioners to agree upon articles of capitulation. 

At eight o'clock the next morning, the 27th of August, 1664, 
the commissioners on both sides met in the city, and arranged the 
terms. 

The articles of capitulation promised the Dutch security in 
their property, customs of inheritance, liberty of conscience, and 
church discipline ; the municipal officers to continue for the pi'es- 
ent unchanged, and the town to be allowed to choose deputies, with 
free voices in all public affairs. For six months they were to have 
free intercourse with Holland, and ]3ublic records were to be re- 
spected and protected. 

A copy of the articles of capitulation will be given in full in 
the api:)endix. 

Of course the surrender of Fort Orange and Wiltwyck followed 
soon after, and may, in fact, be considered as included in the ca- 
pitulation. Immediately after the Dutch soldiers at New Amster- 
dam had left for Holland, Governor NicoUs despatched Colonel 
Cartwright, with his command, to take possession of those places. 
This was on the loth of September, 1664, and he proceeded up the 
river direct to Fort Orange. On his arrival the authorities made 
no resistance, and the English at once took possession. An Eng- 
lish garrison, under the command of Captain Manning, was placed 
in chai'ge of the fort, which was named Fort Albany, and the 
name of the settlement was also changed to Albany, after the 
Scotcli title of the Duke of York. 

In the mean time, at Wiltwyck, the soldiers having, in the latter 
part of August, all been withdrawn to New Amsterdam on ac- 
count of the English invasion, the entire community was in the 
greatest confusion and alarm. The civil authority was abandoned, 
and the militia, under the command of Captain Chambers and 
Lieutenant Schoonmaker, on the 1st of September assumed control 
of the place. On the 4th of September the court met in extraor- 
dinary session, to consider what should be done on the arrival of 
the English. It was finally, after considerable deliberation, re- 
solved that, i\i>on the firing of a cannon, the militia should repair 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 49 

to the guard-house to receive orders ; that the municipal authori- 
ties should j)roceed and hold a conference with the English outside 
the gates ; that the military should also in the interval take some 
precautionary measures against any possible inimical action by the 
Indians. 

Cartwright, on his return from Albany, landed at Esopus the 
latter part of Sej^tember, and the place was siirrendered without 
resistance, Cartwright taking the same precaution, as at Albany, to 
conciliate the inhabitants. 

The Dutch local officers were continued in power. A garrison 
of regular soldiers were placed in charge of the fort, under Captain 
Brodhead. This Captain Brodhead, of the English regular army, 
came over with his command in the expedition, and brought his 
family with him to remain in this country. He settled here, and 
became a citizen of Esopus. 

Governor Nicolls followed his other operations with friendly 
and conciliatory arrangements and treaties with the Indians, and 
the occupation and possession by the English became complete. 

Thus was fully consummated by England, through their sov- 
ereign and the Duke of York, one of the most cowardly and dis- 
honest stealth of a neighboring nation' s unprotected territory that 
can be found in the history of any civilized nation on the globe. 
It was cowardly, because it was conceived and carried out secretly, 
and every possible precaution taken to keep the friendly neighbor- 
ing nation, owning the territory, in ignorance of their intention. 
It was stealth, because the Dutch had had uninterrupted posses- 
sion for half a century, and tlieir right had been, during that entire 
period, recognized by the English in various ways. And the Dutch 
title, by discovery and possession, was in all respects similar to 
that which England had held and insisted on as valid and indis- 
putable in regard to her own territories. 
4 



CHAPTER IV. 

FROM THE SURRENDER TO THE ENGLISH IN 1664 TO THE SUR- 
RENDER TO THE DUTCH IN 1673. 

KING CHARLES the Second, by the patent issued to his 
brother, tlie Diike of York, aiithorized liim ' ' to make, or- 
dain and establish all manner of orders, laws, directions, instruc- 
tions, forms and ceremonies of government and magistracy, fit and 
necessary for and concerning the government of the territories and 
islands aforesaid. . . . And the same at all times hereafter to put 
in execution, abrogate, revoke, or change." The Dulie of York 
thereupon commissioned Colonel Richard Nicolls as his deputy 
' ' to perform and execute all and every the powers which are by 
the said letters patent granted." Nicolls, however, had in his 
articles of capitulation conceded special privileges to the Dutch, of 
which he could not deprive them. 

He prepared a code of laws for the government of the lower 
part of the province, and summoned deputies from Long Island 
and Westchester, to be chosen by a majority of the taxpayers, to 
meet at Heemstede for their ado]ition. At the meeting of the del- 
egates, when opposition was shown or change proposed to any part 
of the code, as submitted by Governor Nicolls, their attention was 
called to the terms of his credentials, and they were given to under- 
stand that they must adopt the code as he had drawn it, or ap- 
peal to the duke. They found, thei-efore, that their province was 
to register the orders of the government, not to deliberate. 

No deputies were summoned from New Amsterdam, Esopus, 
Bergen, or Fort Orange. These jjlacjes were left to continue for the 
time under their former mode of government and customs. 

In September, 1665, Governor Nicolls visited Kingston, partly 
on account of some troubles which had existed the previous winter 
between some of the citizens and nulitary, but chiefly to make 
arrangements to procure the release of more land from the Ind- 
ians. In relation to the government of the j)lace he made no 
change, except to place Captain Brodhead in charge of the mili- 
tary as a discreet officer, upon whom he felt that he could rely to 
avoid all cause of complaint by the citizens. The commission 
issued to Captain Brodhead bore date September 15th, 1665, and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 51 

the anthoritative part is as follows : " I do constitute and appoint 
you, the said Daniel Brodhead, chief officer of the militia in the 
Esopus. You are to take care and use your utmost diligence for 
the defence of the place and People against any attempts. You 
are constantly to keep good guard, and your soldiers in good order 
and discipline, according to the rules and method of war." 

This commission was speedily supplemented by lengthy in- 
structions containing much good advice, especially in respect to 
the citizens within his jurisdiction. The instructions are too 
lengthy for insertion here, but it will not be amiss to give a brief 
summary. 

There were eight specifications : 

In the first he was enjoined to keep strict order and discipline, 
and not pennit a soldier to judge or revenge his own case. 

In the second he was directed to keep constant guard in respect 
to the number and health of the soldiers. 

Third, to provide them weekly with their rations and ammuni- 
tion. 

Fourth (is given entire), " You must avoid harshness of words, 
and heat of passion, seeking rather to reconcile differences, than to 
be head of a party. Preserve yourself single and indifferent as to 
justice between Soldiers and Burghers. Give not too easy an ear 
to private whisperers and insinuators, which may overrule your 
judgment, and beget a prejudice in your mind against the Dutch. 
For though I am not apt to believe they have a natural affection 
for the English, yet without ill usage, I do not find them so 
malicious as some will seek to persuade you they are." 

Fifth enjoins kind treatment of Indians, and that they are not 
to come in the town with " arms fixed." 

Sixth and seventh are in regard to looking to his farm, and that 
he and the soldiers may sow and reap for themselves. 

Eighth, in regard to accidental matters, he is to exercise his dis- 
cretion. These instructions were dated the 23d of October, 1665. 
They certainly exhibit sound sense and judgment, and if lived up 
to would avoid much difficulty and trouble. 

No other change in the government was made by Governor 
NicoUs. The municipal officers and the fonn of government con- 
tinued the same. Captain Chambers was continued in command 
of the militia. 

Having thus arranged matters in reference to the administra- 
tion of affairs at Esopus, he turned his attention to the other ob- 
ject of his A'isit, suggested above, to procure more land from the 
natives. In regard to the detaOs of his negotiation we have no 
information, and they are of no moment. The result is registered 
in a treaty between him and the ' ' sachems and People called the 



52 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Esopiis Indians," ratified and consummated at Fort James (New 
Yorli) on the 7th day of October, 1665, the original of which is 
preserved among the records of the Ulster county clerk's office. 
It provides substantially : (1) That no act of hostility be committed 
on either x^art, and if damage is done by either party full satisfac- 
tion is to be made upon demand. (2) Murder to be punished by 
death. (3) A convenient house is to be built without the village, 
where the Indians can lodge and leave their arms, and sell or buy 
what they please from the Christians. (4) The said sachems and 
their subjects grant, alienate, and confirm to the Duke of York all 
their right, etc., to a "certain parcel of land lying and being to 
the West and Southwest of a certain Creek or River, called by the 
name of Kahanksen, and so up to the head thereof, where the old 
fort was, and so with a direct line from thence throiigh the woods 
and across the meadows to the Great Hill, lying and being to the 
West or Southwest, which Great hill is to be the true West or 
Southwest bounds of the said lands. And tlie said creek called 
Kahanksen the North or Northeast bounds of the said lands here- 
inmentioned. . . . 

' ' In token of the aforesaid agreement, the aforesaid Sachems 
do deliver two small sticks ; and in confirmatioii thereof, do deliver 
two more small sticks to the said Richard Nicolls. And in the 
name of the Indians tlieir subjects, and of the subjects do deliver 
two other round small sticks in token of their assent to the said 
agreement. And the said Richard Nicolls does deliver to their 
Sachems three laced red coats ;" and then tlie treaty further de- 
clares " that all past injuries are buried and forgotten on both 
sides." The sachems also agreed " to come once every year and 
bring some of their young People, to acknowledge evei-y part of 
this agreement in the Sopes to the end that it may be kept in per- 
petual memory." 

The consummation of this agreement enabled Governor Nicolls 
to offer flattering inducements for the settlement of farmers in the 
territory. He issued circidars for that purpose, designating the 
lands offered as located on the west side of the river, at or adjoin- 
ing the Sopes ; adding that he had " purchased all the Sopes land, 
which is now ready for cultivation, being clear ground." 

Unfortunately, Captain Brodhead did not heed, as he should 
have done, the wise counsel of Nicolls, but acted with his com- 
mand in such manner as greatly to exasperate the Dutch, and in- 
crease the ill-feeling between the citizens and the soldiery. His 
conduct, instead of being conciliatory, was liarsh and oppressi^-e, 
and he countenanced the same line of action in his command. For 
the slightest offence by a citizen or burgher a committal to the 
guard- house was the punishment. A Dutch burgher, who insisted 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 53 

upon keeping Cliristmas in the Dntcli style in preference to the 
English, was punished by imprisonment. For some slight cause 
he qiiarrelled with Slecht, the village brewer, and one of the offi- 
cers in the militia, and ordered him arrested and imprisoned. The 
villagers were thereby aroused, and rushed to arms and demanded 
his release. Brodhead called out some of his soldiers, and ordered 
the people to disperse ; they refused. The magistrates then de- 
manded that the jirisoner should be brought before them for trial. 
That he refused to do. After a long parley over the matter, the 
people were quieted and dispersed, under an agreement that the 
whole matter should be submitted to Governor Nicolls. 

Another cause of difficulty and ill-temper on the part of the 
Dutch was the killing of Hendrick Cornellisen, one of the vil- 
lagers, by one of Brodhead' s soldiers, William Fisher. 

Governor Nicolls was notified of these difficulties, and redress 
demanded by the citizens. The governor on the 16th of Aj^ril, 
1667, appointed a commission, consisting of three persons — Counsel- 
lors Needham and Delavall and Justice Van Ryen — and directed 
them " to go to Esopus and hear, receive and determine such and 
so many complaints as they shall judge necessary or of moment, 
and to pass sentence of imprisonment, fine, correction or suspen- 
sion of office against such who shall be found guilty." Such was 
their commission for the public gaze. He supplemented the com- 
mission, however, with private instructions, guarded in tone, it is 
true, but intimating very plainly what were his private opinions 
and wishes. 

He advised them to " take up the Fisher murder case first, and 
hear the evidence patiently, and if no more notorious circumstance 
appears in full evidence against Fisher than is already alleged, you 
will conclude him guilty of Manslaughter. If it appears that the 
Dutchman ran upon the sword to assault Fisher, I conceive it may 
have happened in his own defence.'' 

" \yhen you examine the rising in arms, begin with the first 
occasion, and you will find that Brodhead did only offer to tiing 
a dish at the Brewer, but did not ; that he offered to draw his 
sword, but neither did nor could ; jon will also find that the 
Brewer presently ran in upon him, made the assault, gave the first 
blow, after which many abuses followed ; upon which beginning 
of the quarrel, you are to declare that the King's officer is not of 
so mean a quality to be struck by a Burgher, and further enlarge 
the discourse as you shall find fit. " 

" Having proceeded thus far you are to call the chief and others 
the most violent actors, and promoters of the riot before you. In 
the first place, open the case of rising in anus against an estab- 
lished Garrison of his Majesty, which unlawful assembly of armed 



54 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

men is no less than Treason. You are to admit of no reasonings 
or pretences for tlieir so doing. . . . And according to the evi- 
dence brought in against them, who appeared the most notori- 
ous, reducing the number to a few, not exceeding six, you may 
conclude them by sentence in wi-iting to be guilty of a treasonable 
and malicious riot, that you remit the final punisliment to me ;" 
and he then further directed that they be brought down to him, 
the governor, as prisoners. 

The instructions further stated that they would find that Brod- 
head had disobeyed his (the governor's) instructions several times, 
and they would do well to suspend him for that fault alone, and 
thus avoid any examination in the other complaints ; and then 
they " could easily answer the number of complaints that Brod- 
head had part of his punishment already, the rest will be commit- 
ted to me' ' (the governor). 

Another of the directions contained in the instructions was 
" not to discoi^rage the soldiers too much in public, lest the Boors 
insult over them. Appear favorable to the most of the Boors, but 
severe against tlie principal Incendiaries." 

Also, " Albert Heymans and Anthony D. Elba have spoken 
most malicious words, and I look upon them as great incendiaries 
and disaffected persons ; if their words be proved they shall not be 
suffered to live in this government ; if they have been actors in the 
late riot, pitch upon them two for ringleaders, and give order to 
inventory and secure their estates by the Schout and Commis- 
saries." 

They were further directed not to have a juxy, and to admit 
very few into the room where they sat. 

At the trial or examination held by the commission appointed 
by Governor Nicolls, under special instructions in regard to their 
finding, as has been stated, the complaints stated substantially 
that since the departure of Governor Nicolls the complainants had 
suffered too much injury and violence, not only from the soldiers in 
general, but from Captain Brodhead in particular, who, they say, 
ought to have jiunished the wrongs done by the soldiers. The 
comjDlaint then proceeded in the recital of a large number of 
grievances which in these days would clearly, in public estimation, 
justify a rising and arming in self-defence. 

Cornelis Barentsen Slecht was beaten in his own house by 
George Porter, a soldier, and also by Captain Brodhead and by 
other soldiers, and forced to prison. 

Captain Brodhead afterward beat Tjerck Clausen without any 
reason, and brought him to prison. Afterward, in giving testi- 
mony befoT'e the commission, Tjerck Clausen said the reason why 
Captain Brodhead abused him was because he " would keep 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 55 

Christmas Day on the day customary with the Dutch, and not on 
the day according to the English observation." Captain Brod- 
head acknowledged the truth of the statement. 

Another allegation was substantially that Captain Brodhead 
came to the house of Louis Du Bois, took an anchor of brandy, 
and threw it upon the ground, because Du Bois refused him brandy 
without payment ; and he forced Du Bois to give him brandy. 
When Du Bois's wife went to Brodhead' s house for the money, he 
drove her with a knife out of the house. Louis Du Bois, in his tes- 
timony on these charges, said that Captain Brodhead used his 
best endeavor to shew his anchor of wine when he threw it down, 
but could not, and yet he lost none of the drink. Mrs. Du Bois tes- 
tified that Captain Brodhead had a knife in his hand Avhen she 
demanded the money he owed her, and he told her that if she were 
not with child he would cut her, and called her many bad names. 
No coimter-evidence seems to have been given. 

It was also alleged, on New Year's Day Walran Duniont had 
some friends and neighbors to eat with him in his own house, 
whereupon Captain Brodhead, coming in, treated Walran very 
badly, and took the wife of Harman Hendricks from thence to 
prison in the guards. 

Upon this charge Walran Dumont testified that last New 
Year' s Day he had some friends at his house, and Captain Brod- 
head quarrelled with the wife of Harman Hendricks, and threw 
a glass of beer in her face, and called her many bad names, and 
cariied her to the guard a prisoner. Captain Chambers confirmed 
that evidence. Brodhead admitted it, but said Harman' s wife 
called his sister a whore, which caused the quarrel. 

A number of allegations are entered in the complaints against 
individual soldiery for beating and misusing citizens, some wan- 
tonly and without cause, others when the citizens were protecting 
their property from being carried away and stolen, concerning 
Avhich no investigation was had. The burghers admitted that they 
had assembled and anned themselves, demanding the release of 
Sergeant Slecht. 

The following is an extract from the register of the town court : 

' ' The wife of Cornells Barentsen Sleght and her daughter com- 
plained to the Court, that Captain Brodhead had grievously cut, 
beat, and wounded Cornelius Barentsen, her husband, in his own 
house, and that he had also committed his body, close confined, to 
the guard, and would not release him." 

" Upon which the court ordered, that the Court's Messenger 
should be sent to request Captain Brodhead to come to the court, 
and tlie said messenger received the following answer ; that if 
vhe commissar}^ would si^eak with him, they might come to him. 



56 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Then the Burghers being in arms the court endeavored what in 
them lay to prevent any further danger, and thereupon ordered 
Captain Chambers and Evert Pels to desire Capt Brodhead to 
release the said Burgher from the guard, and if the said Cor- 
nells Barentsen had in any wise offended him, he should, accord- 
ing to the Governor's order, comj^lain to the magistrates, who 
would see that he make satisfaction, or be punished according to 
the merit of his crimes. But when the two said commissaries had 
delivei'ed the message to Captain Brodhead, he made tliem this 
answer, that he would keep the said Cornells as long as he 
pleased, and if they would fetch him, he would be ready to wait 
for them." 

' ' The court also used many arguments to the Burghers, when 
they were in arms, to go quietly home to their houses, and went 
personally themselves to persuade them, that they should not do 
anything against the Military, but told them they would address 
their cause to the Hon. Governor. 

' ' Then the Burghers told them, the Magistrates, that Capt 
Brodhead and some of the Soldiers had many times threatened to 
burn the town, and that, with other reasons, moved them to appear 
in their arms, and therefore they requested to be empowered by 
their Magistrates to continue in their arms. But the said Magis- 
trates utterly denied the same. 

THE BURGHERS GIVE THEIR REASONS. 

' ' We whose names are here underwritten, inhabitants of the 
town of Esopus, do certify and acknowledge, that on the 4th day 
of February last, upon the doleful cry and lamentation of tlie Chil- 
dren of Cornells Barentsen Slecht, that their father was miserably 
beaten and wounded by Capt Brodhead, and that another per- 
son, Andrias Peiterson Van Leuven, was killed in the bi'ewhouse, 
at which action some of us being eye witnesses, we gathered to- 
gether in an assembly at the first, and through the threatening of 
the millitia, formerly, to burn up the town, and through their 
beating their drum, and their further saying they Avould bum the 
town, and that was therein the aforesaid motives and reasons 
moved us, that every one of us, witliout order of Burger or officer, 
di<l take our weapons in hand, not knowing, otherwise, but this 
might be the beginning or forerunner of the utter ruin of the town 
by the Militia, and that they would do with us what they pleased, 
as tliey had done with several jiersons since the Governor went 
from hence, as is jjarticularly mentioned in our remonstrance to 
his Honor dated this 28th April 1667 in the town of Wiltwyck. 

" Tjerck Clausen De Witt, Peter Helibrantzen, Cornelius Ffinch- 
ard, Peter Arienson, John Williamzen, Corn. Hoghbome, Lambert 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON 57 

HTibertson, Hendrick ^lartensen, John Jacobs Biirlians, Gerrat 
Ffowker, Ard Martinseu, Hens. Arianson, Tunis Jacobson, Paulus 
Paulsen, Walrav Demont, Andries Peterson, Claus Clauson, Ffranc 
La Cheir, Arian Geritson, Ffredr. Peterson, John Lodnian, Vrian 
WestfaD, Derick Hendrickson, Thomas Harmonzen, John Cor- 
neliusen, Thom. Van Marken, Barnard Holstein, John Hendrix, 
Jan Jansen, Rodolph Hendricks, Albert Jansen, V. Steenwyck, 
John Barntson, John Adrianson, Adrian Hubertsen." 

The commission sat three days at Esopus. Captain Brodhead, 
admitting the charges brought against him, was suspended from 
his command. Sergeant Beresford succeeded him. The burghers, 
in their defence, justified their resort to arms on the ground that 
Brodhead had imprisoned their sergeant, and the soldiers had 
threatened to burn the town. 

Four of the alleged movers of the insurrection — Antonio d' Elba, 
Albert Heymans, Arent Albertson, and Cornells Barentsen — were 
found guilty of a rebellious and mutinous riot, and were taken to 
New York for sentence. Nicolls, by advice of his council, on the 
3d of May sentenced Heymans to be banished for life out of the 
government, and the others for shorter tenns out of Esopus, 
Albany, and New York. All these sentences of the burghers were 
subsequently modified, and the offenders returned to Esopus. 
Fisher, the soldier who killed Cornelissen, was acquitted as having 
acted in self-defence. 

The report or finding of the commission shows that the matter 
was all prejudged under the secret instructions ; that the commis- 
sioners were the tools of the governor, to carry out his private 
orders, and not be governed by the merits or evidence in the case. 

This matter is referred to in historical books as the " mutiny 
at Esopus.'''' Mutiny is resistance to the exercise of lawful power. 
If an officer invades the house of a subordinate to steal, com- 
mit an assault or a trespass, resistance is not mutiny ; and much 
more, the moment a military officer or soldier steps outside 
of his military calling and wilfully commits an assault or a 
trespass against a citizen, or unlawfully deprives him of his lib- 
erty, the military character or privilege is at once dofl'ed and 
thrown aside, and resistance is not mutiny. It was justifiable re- 
sistance to tyranny and opjiression — an outburst of the same spirit 
which subsequently threw off the oppressor's yoke in 1776, and 
carried this country triumphantly through the Revolution. 

Captain Brodhead, on the 14th of July, less than three months 
after his suspension, died at Esopus, leaving his \vidow and three 
sons — Daniel, Charles, and Eichard — him surviving. 

In the mean time, war had broken out and was raging bitterly, 
especially on the ocean, between England and Holland, having 



68 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

been instigated by English capture and retention of the New Netli- 
erlands. Communication was almost entirely cut off between Eng- 
land and the colonies. NicoUs had been suffering great appre- 
hension and fear of an attack by the Dutch upon New York, and 
made preparations for its resistance, and was much relieved when 
the news arrived of the conclusion of peace between the two gov- 
ernments. By that treaty of peace, known as the Treaty of Breda, 
concluded the 21st of July, 1667, the Dutch government formally 
relinquished the province of New Netherlands to the English. 
Governor Stuyvesant was at that time in Holland settling his mat- 
ters with the West India Company. Soon after the treaty of peace 
he went over to England, and through his application to the Duke 
of York, and subsequent petition to King Charles in council, he 
procured a grant to the Dutch of a temporary permission freely to 
. trade with New York for seven years with their ships only. He 
then returned to New York, where he spent the rest of his days." 
This order was in force but a short time, and was formally revoked 
by the king and Privy Council, November 18th, 1668. 

Governor Nicolls had for some time desired to be relieved of his 
office, and made applications to the Duke of York for that pur- 
pose. The Duke of Yoi*k finally, early in 1668, sent Colonel 
Francis Lovelace to relieve him. But Lovelace, on his arrival at 
New York, did not at once assume the governorship, but silent 
some time to familiarize himself with the duties of liis office. In 
August, 1668, Nicolls formally transferred his command to his 
successor. Colonel Lovelace, and on the 28th embarked for 
Europe. 

Soon after assuming the duties of his office, and on the 5th of 
Septeuiber, Governor Lovelace proceeded to the Esopus to attend 
personally to the regulation and settlement of some matters there, 
and to become conversant with its situation and its needs. On his 
arrival at Esopus, he ordered Sergeant Beresford, who was in com- 
mand, to arrange for the discharge of the garrison, and leave its 
duty to be performed by the burghers. As an inducement for the 
soldiers attached to the garrison to remain and become citizens, he 
promised them liberal grants of land. With a view of carrying out 
such inducements, he gave instructions to Henry Pawling to lay 
out lots further inland for the new and additional settlement. 
He then returned to New York. 

On the 9th of September, 1669, at a council before Governor 
Lovelace, it was ordered that the garrison at Esopus be dislianded 
and dismissed of their military employment. It was also oidered 
that a commission, consisting of Ralph Whitfield as president, 
and Captain John Manning, Captain Jacques Cortelyou, Captain 
Thomas Chambers, William Beeckman, sellout, Henry Pawling, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOTf. 59 

and Christopher Berrisford, go np to Esopus to regulate the affairs 
of that place and " of the New Dorp." 

This commission commenced their sessions on the 17th of Sep- 
tember, 1669, and closed their labors on the 29th of that mouth. 
During their session they passed a number of ordinances in rela- 
tion to Esopus. By one of the ordinances, they "do hereby 
strictly order and enjoin that no person do utter or sell any grain 
whatsoever, to be transported from Kingston, Hurley, and Marl:ile- 
town, but such as shall be well cleansed and unmingled witli 
other, upon pain of forfeiture" of one third thereof — one third for- 
feited to go to the king, one third to the informer, and the other 
third to the schout and commissaries. On the 29th of September 
they made a further ordinance for the more effectual enforcement 
of the preceding one, providing for the appointment of an offi- 
cer to measure the corn intended for transportation, and not 
to suffer the transportation of any which is not " truly merchant- 
able." 

On the 23d of September they made another ordinance requir- 
ing the schout and commissaries to drain the " swampish or morass 
ground lying and adjoining to the said town" — Kingston — " by the 
last day of November next ensuing, under pain of forfeiture of one 
hundred Skipples of wheat to his Majesty." 

On the same day they passed another ordinance, by Avhich the 
schout and commissaries were strictly enjoined to repair " the Domi- 
nie's house or town house in Kingston, which now grows ruin- 
ous, to prevent further damage, it being of absolute necessity to 
keep that house in good repair, in regard to the frequent use of it, 
both for religious duties and ci\-il aft'airs. " 

" Whicli reparation being for the public good, ought to be per- 
fonned at the public charge." And they authorized the amount to 
be levied on the town of Kingston. By another ordinance passed 
on the same day, they " strictly enjoin all persons not to utter or 
sell, to any Indian or Indians, such quantities of strong liquors as 
shall make them drunk, upon the penalties following" — for the first 
offence, five pounds ; for the second offence, ten pounds ; and for 
the third offence, banishment out of the town : two thirds of the 
penalty to go to the poor and one tliird to the schout. 

Another ordinance designated Thomas Chambers as surveyor- 
general of highways and common roads in the three towns, King- 
ston, Hurley, and Marbletown, ^vith power to fine the sellouts and 
commissaries for any neglect of duty in keeping the roads in order. 

On the 25th of September they passed an ordinance changing 
the name of the town from Sopus and Wiltwyck to Kingston ; also 
directed the schout and commissaries of Kingston to have two men 
constantly on duty keeping watch at the redoixbt, at the charge of 



60 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Kingston, and enjoining them well and sufficiently to repair the 
said redoubt within six weeks after date of order. 

The commissioners located the sites for the two new villages. 
The farther one they called Marbletown, from the character of the 
stone abounding there ; and the nearer one, having been heretofore 
frequently refeiTed to as "ISewDorp," they called Hurley, after 
the home of Lovelace's ancestry on the Thames. The change of 
the name of Esopus and Wiltwyck to Kingston, as before stated, 
was in further compliment, it is said, to Governor Lovelace, whose 
mother's family had a seat at Kingston L'Isle, near Wantage, in 
Berkshire. 

Separate lots in the two new villages were to be allotted to the 
disbanded soldiers. A tract of land at Marbletown was allotted to 
Ann, the widow of Ca^jtain Brodhead, by special direction of the 
governor, " in regard to her great charge, and her being a commis- 
sioned officer's widow." 

The commissioners, making arrangements for the future gov- 
ernment of that locality, abrogated the Dutch laws and regula- 
tions, and proclaimed them subject to the " Duke's Laws." 

The commissioners appointed Christopher Beresford as chief 
magisti'ate of Hurley and Marbletown, and Henry Pawling officer 
over the Indians. Louis Du Bois and Albert Heymans were ap- 
pointed overseers for Hurley, John Biggs and Frederick Hussey 
for Marbletown, and Thomas Chambers and William Beeckman for 
Kingston. 

The " Duke's Laws" above referred to are those which were 
submitted l)y Governor J^icolls in the early part of his administra- 
tion to delegates of the several precincts on Long Island, and pro- 
mulgated for the government of that portion of the province. 

As they were at this time extended over this section of the 
province, it is proper that they should be more particularly re- 
ferred to liere. It will not be necessary, however, to give more 
than a general analysis of their provisions, so that the reader may 
understand their nature and character. 

The code provided for a court of assizes, which was to meet 
once a year in the city of New York. The govei-nor and council, 
however, might, in capital cases, issue commissions of oyer and 
tei'miner for their trial. 

It i)rovided also for inferior courts of sessions to be held three 
times a year in each riding. Those courts were to be composed of 
three justices of the i)eace, and in wliicli any counsellor might 
preside. 

It provided for trials by jurymen, not to exceed seven in num- 
ber, except in capital cases ; also for arbitration in small cases be- 
tween neighbors. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIf. 61 

In cases not specially provided for, the sessions were to remit 
them to the next assizes, where equity cases were to be disposed of 
and punishment awarded, " according to the discretion of the 
bench, not contrary to the law of England." 

There was to be a local court in each town for the trial of all 
causes involving less than five pounds, to be held by the constable 
and six overseers ; an appeal to be had therefrom to the sessions. 

Eight overseers were to be chosen for each town by a majority 
of freeholders. Four of these overseers retired at the end of each 
year, and from them a constable was to be annually chosen on the 
1st or 2d of April by the freeholders, and he was to be confirmed 
by the justices of the next sessions. The constable and overseers 
were vested with power to make local ordinances in the several 
towns. ' 

A high sheriflf was to be appointed annually by the governor, 
and also an under-sheriff in each riding. Justices of the peace to 
hold office during pleasure. The governor and council had power 
to remove any officer for cause. 

They provided for assessment and taxation, and made provision 
for the collection of the assessments and taxes. ^ 

The tenure of lands was to be under the Duke of York. All 
persons were required to bring in their old grants, and take out 
new patents from the governor. No purchase of lands from the 
Indians was to be valid without leave of the governor, and satis- 
faction before him acknowledged by the Indian o\\Tier. 

Barter with Indians in fire-arms, ammunition, strong liquors, 
or furs, was not allowed without the governoi^s license. 

No preference given to any pai-ticular religious denomination. 
The Eeformed Dutch Chiirch retained its ancient ecclesiastical 
system. 

Slavery was recognized, but slaves were to be protected from 
abuse. 

All males over sixteen years old, except certain persons specially 
exempt, were subject to military duty and to be enrolled, but not 
obliged to bear arms beyond the limits of the government. 

Every town was to provide a pair of stocks and a poimd, and a 
pillory was to be erected in each place where the courts of sessions 
were held. 

The commissioners before mentioned, although they had per- 
fected arrangements for the government of the new" villages and 
for the division of the land, had not made out or perfected the 
actual allotment or grants of land nmong those entitled. For that 
reason, early in the following spring, in March, 1670, upon the 
opening of navigation, the governor commissioned his brother, 
Captaki Dudley Lovelace, Jacques Cortelyou, William Beeckman, 



62 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Christoplier Beresford, and Henry Pawling, to proceed to King- 
ston, establish the boundaries of the new towns, and lay out and 
define the lots in the new villages, and make the necessary allot- 
ments and grants thereof. 

The commissioners met at Kingston on the 30th of March, 1670, 
and after organizing by the appointment of Captain Lovelace as 
their president, immediately proceeded to business. They desig- 
nated the boundary lines of the towns of Kingston, Marble town, 
and Hurley ; divided the lands selected for settlement into parcels 
of two and a half acres each, distributed them among the soldiers 
by lot, and gave the necessary grants therefor. By a special pro- 
vision in each one of the conveyances, the lands were to be for- 
feited and the title revert to the duke unless the lot was built 
upon and occupied within two years, and the lands were inalien- 
able for three years. After disposing of the land matters, the com- 
mission established and promulgated various local regulations, 
completed their business on the 11th day of Aj)ril, and ad- 
journed. 

The said commissioners also, during those sessions, made ar- 
rangements for the survey and division of about seven hundred 
acres of land, part in Marbletown and part in Hurley, into thirty- 
acre lots for tillage and fanning purposes. 

The lots, laid out and distributed among the soldiers, were 
located on both sides of the present Mai'bletowTi stage i"oad. It is 
said that, within two years after such distribution, the village of 
Marbletown contained about fifty houses, mostly log-houses. Dur- 
ing the troublesome and dangerous times connected with the first 
settlements, it was the policy of the government to require settlers 
to locate as compactly as possible. But as dangers lessened, the 
village dwellings were abandoned by the farmers for the more con- 
venient occupation of their farms. When there was no immediate 
call for a village, or general business to justify it, the temporary 
and inexpensive dwellings became deserted and dwindled away. 
That was the case with Marbletown. There is nothing now left 
there to indicate the former existence of such settlement. 

In 1671 such movements were made by the French in Canada, 
together with suspicious actions on the part of many of the Indian 
tribes in Northern and Central New York, that much alarm was 
created in the province, and led to some preparations for protection 
and defence. It is supposed that such appearances led to the order 
of the 16th of May, 1671, by which the inhabitants of Wiltwyck 
were peremptorily ordered to renew their stoiikade, and it was ap- 
jjortioned by rods among the different householders upon some 
basis not explained. It appears that the number of rods of stock- 
ade thus apportioned among the inhabitants to be rebiult was 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 63 

three hundred and seventy-nine and one half, sho^^ing that the 
stockade was considerably over a mile in extent. 

Such order was made by Thomas Delavall and Captain Dudley 
Lovelace, who had arrived there on the 3d of May as a special 
commission aj)pointed by the governor and council to settle all 
extraordinary disputes between the inhabitants themselves, and 
redress any grievances sustained by them from the government. 
They also brought with them the commission of Isaac Greeven- 
wart as sheriff, who was immediately inducted into office, and 
superseded William Beeckman, who had continued, until that 
time, satisfactorily to discharge the duties of that office. He at 
once left Kingston, and returned to his former residence in New 
York. At the same time, Captain Thomas Chambers was made a 
justice of the peace. 

Nothing special appears to have transpired in the Esopus ; its 
three villages prospered greatly ; they encountered no trouble with 
the Indians, and all transactions with them were conducted satis- 
factorily and without any serious difficulty. The wheels of their 
local government appear to have moved smoothly and without 
hitching. The inhabitants of those three villages are reported to 
have raised, in the year 1673, twenty-live thousand schei)els of 
corn. It was, in fact, the greatest corn-raising region in the then 
settled portion of the State. 

On the 16th of October, 1672, the land owned by Captain 
Thomas Chambers in the Esopus, near Kingston, was erected into 
a manor, with the usual privileges, and named Fox Hall ; and in 
the same year Counsellor Delavall was authorized to build a store- 
house on tide- water, near the redoubt. 

The patent thus confeiTed upon Thomas Chambers being short, 
is copied as follows : 

" Whereas Captain Thomas Chambers, a Justice of the Peace at 
Esopus, hath been an ancient inhabitant in those parts, where he 
hath done signal and notal service, in the times of the war against 
the Indians, and having by his industry in time of peace, acquired 
considerable estate, of which he now stands possessed, among the 
rest a mansion house not far from the town of Kingston, commonly 
called Fox haU, with a gi-eat tract of land thereto belonging, which 
said house is made defensible against any sudden incursions of 
Indians or others. In acknowledgment of the services heretofore 
done by the said Captain Thomas Chambers, and in pai't recom- 
pense thereof, I have thought fit to erect the said mansion house, 
called Fox haU, and land belonging to it, into a manor, to be 
known by the name of the ' Manor of Fox hall ; ' the whicli shall 
for the time to come be held, deemed, reputed, taken and be, an 
entire enfranchisement manor of itself, and shall always from time 



64 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

to time have, hold and enjoy like and equal privileges with other 
manors within the government, and shall in no manner or any wise, 
be under the rule, order or directions of any town Court, but by 
the general Court of Assizes, or as from time to time the said Capt 
Chambers shall receive orders or directions from his Governor and 
his council." 

In order to consolidate the Fox Hall narrative, it is here stated 
that, fourteen years subsequent to the issue of the above-recited 
patent, and in 1686, Governor Dongan issued a new patent to the 
said Chambers, confirmatory of the above, and explaining the 
rights and powers conferred more extensively and in greater de- 
tail. He therein recites the various parcels of land within the 
manor, adds thereto one hundred acres, and " erects, makes, and 
constitutes the said tracts and parcels of land into one Lordship 
and Manor of Fox hall," and allowed him one court leet and court 
baron. 

Some discussion has been had as to the location of the " man- 
sion house," which is so prominently named by Goveraor Lovelace 
in his patent. It is difficult to see how there can be any doubt 
about it. 

Tradition and the custom of ages inform us of the locality of 
Fox Hall. A large portion of that locality remained, iintil a com- 
paratively recent period, and for more than a century, in the pos- 
session of the Van Gaasbeek family, who derived it under Cham- 
bers. That locality is where the Van Leuven and Kiersted farms, 
at the termination of manor place, are situated. The original house 
was in the immediate vicinity of the village where the house 
of William M. Hayes is now. It could not have been at Ron- 
dout, because that locality was never known or designated as 
" Fox hall," and is too far from the village of Kingston to corre- 
spond with the description in the patent of 1672 as being not far 
from Kingston, nor with well-established historical facts bearing 
upon the distance of his residence from Wiltwyck. Rondout at 
that time was in the midst of a heavy forest, which had to be 
cleared for cultivation. The location now known as Fox Hall was 
directly upon the edge of extensive i:)rairie laud, ready for cultiva- 
tion without the aid of the woodman' s axe. 

In the latter part of April, 1673, while Governor Lovelace was 
absent fiom the city on official business, word came to New York 
that a Dutch squadron was on its way north from the West Indies. 
The governor was immediately summoned back to the capital. 
On his arrival, considering the report a false alann, and feeling no 
apprehension of danger, he made no special preparations for the 
defence of the city, except summoning some soldiers from Albany, 
Esopus, and Delawai'e. They arrived and were mustered on the 



niSTOEY OF KINGSTON. 65 

1st of May, nearly one Imndred and thirty enlisted men. On the 
29th of May they made another muster ; then with volunteers and 
soldiers the force amounted to three hundred and thirty. The 
governor soon after discharged many of the soldiers, and sent back 
those who had come down from Albany and Esopus, leaving Cap- 
tain Manning in the garrison with only about eighty men, and 
taking no action to put the fort and city in a state of defence. 

On the 29th of July, 1673, the Dutch ships made their apjiear- 
ance. The governor was again absent from the city. After some 
negotiations between Captain Manning, in command of the forces 
in the city, and the Dutch admiral, and no satisfactory arrange- 
ment concluded, the Dutch opened lire upon the fort on the 30th 
of July. After they had hred some guns and kiUed and wounded 
some of the soldiers in the fort, they landed about six hundred 
men to storm the fortress. Captain Manning then raised a white 
flag, but by mistake and without his authority the English colors 
were lowered and the fort surrendered. The Dutch fleet, when it 
reached N ew York, consisted of twenty-three vessels, carrying six- 
teen hundred men. 
Thus New York became again a Dutch province. 

5 



CHAPTER V. 

FROM THE DUTCH SUPREMACY IN 1673 TO THE ACCESSION OF 
JAMES THE SECOND IN 1685. 

IMMEDIATELY after the surrender, as stated in the last chap- 
ter, the Dntch naval and army otRcers organized a council of 
war, which was held at the Stadt Honse. It was attended by 
Commodores Cornelius Evei'tse, Jr., and Jacob Binckes, and 
Captains Anthony Colve, Nicolas Boes, and Abram Ferd. 
Vanzyll. Summonses were at once issued to all the magistrates 
and constables of East Jersey, Long Island, Esopus, and Albany, 
to come forthwith to N"ew York and take the oath of allegiance. 
The council then designated Captain Colve as governor-general, to 
hold supreme command over the province. 

The Esopus officers attended on the 1st of September, 1673, in 
obedience to the summons, and acknowledged allegiance to the 
new government. The council made an order changing the name 
of Kingston to Swanenburgh. It also directed the three toAvns, 
Swanenburgh (Kingston), Hurley, and jNIarbletown, to make dupli- 
cate nominations for officers, from whom the council could make 
its appointments, with special instructions that none should be 
nominated who were not of the Ref onmed religion, or were not friend- 
ly to the Dutch government. 

Governor- General Colve appointed Isaac Grevenwart as schout 
and William La INIontagne as secretary of the three towns. The 
schout on the 25th of October took the official oath before tlie coun- 
cil, and on the 3(lth received his commission. Cornelius Wyn- 
koop. Dr. Roeliff Kiersted, Wessel Ten Broeck, and Jan Burhans, 
were appointed schepens for Swanenbiirgh, and respectively took 
the oath of allegiance to the Staats-General. 

Soon after this the Dutch commodores sailed for Europe, and 
Colve assumed the entire government. He at once promulgated 
regulations and orders to establish a general system of government 
for the towns, which, in fact, substantially revived the Stuyvesant 
system. He therein specially directed the local magistrates to 
" take care that the Reformed Christian religion be maintained in 
Conformity to the Synod of Dordrecht, without permitting any 
other sects attempting anything contrary thereto." 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 67 

The Butch control of the Xew Netherlands was of very short 
duration. In February, 1674, a treaty of peace between Great 
Britain and the United Netherlands was entered into and duly 
executed at Westminster, whereby the Treaty of Breda was re- 
vived, and the New Netherlands restored to Great Britain. 

In April of that year Major Edmund Andros was commissioned 
by the King of England to proceed to New York and, in the name 
of the king, receive the surrender of the province. Governor 
Andros, with his suite, arrived at New York on the 22d of October, 
1674, and on Saturday, the 10th of November, Governor Colve 
formallj^ sui'rendered the jjrovince to the new governor, as the 
representative of his Britannic JNIajesty. 

Governor Andros came under very lengthy special instructions 
from the Duke of York in regard to the conduct of the govern- 
ment. Among other important matters, the instructions directed 
that perfect freedom of conscience should be allowed ; that justice 
should be administered with all possible equality, without regard 
to nationality, whetlier Dutch or English. The laws and ordi- 
nances established by NicoUs and Lovelace were not to be varied 
from except upon " emergent necessities, and then only with the 
advice of the council, and the gravest and most experienced in- 
habitants." No alteration was to be valid unless conlirmed by 
the duke within a year. The council was to consist of ten of the 
most prudent inhabitants, to be selected by him, and he was re- 
quired to consult with it upon all extraordinary occasions in re- 
lation to the public service. 

Immediately after entering ujjon the duties of his office, he sent 
a letter to the Dutch officials at Esopus, demanding the surrender 
of their offices, and appointed George Hall sherift' of that section 
and Robert Peacock constable. He also reinstated the other offi- 
cers who held under Governor Lovelace. On the 9th of November, 
1674, he issued a proclamation confirming all former grants and 
all legal judicial proceedings, and the possessors, by virtue thereof, 
were to remain in quiet possession of their rights, and the code of 
laws known as the "Duke's Laws'' were confirmed and declared 
operative. In March, 1675, he issued another proclamation, by 
which he required all persons who intended to continue ' ' under 
his Majesty's obedience within his Royal Highness' government, to 
appear, at such times and places as the Magistrates within the re- 
spective towns and places where they live shall aj^point, to take 
the usual oaths of allegiance and fidelity." 

On the 19th of January, 1675, Governor Andros wrote a letter 
addressed " to the Inhabitants of Kingston at Esopus." In it he 
acknowledges the receipt of a communication from them that ' ' all 
things are well and quiet in the town." He thanked them for 



68 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

their care therein ; that, as to the militia, lie had appointed Cap- 
tain Thomas Chambers to command until fnrther orders. He then 
stated, " For the peace you mention with the Indians, yon will do 
■well to renew it, as has been customary formerly." 

At a council meeting held on the 12th of March, 1677, upon 
"the request of divers persons from Kingston, that they might 
have new lots laid out for them without the town," it was allowed 
that land should be laid out for them near the towni, as desired, but 
their buildings to be within the town ; and such as want a place to 
build might pitch upon any vacant lot under agreement, or by 
order of the magistrates, to be apprized and paid for as vacant 
ground. 

It will be recollected that a tract of land was ceded to Governor 
Nicolls by the Indians, part of which had been jiortioned out 
among the soldiers, and other settlements had been subsequently 
made thereon. It was deemed important that a special and dis- 
tinct understanding should be had with the Indians in regard to 
the particular boundai-ies of that grant, as well as other lands at 
that time possessed on the northerly side of the Rondout Creek, so 
as, among other reasons, to avoid all bickerings in the future on the 
part of the Indians, that the lands possessed had not been bought 
and paid for. Therefore, in the spring of 1(377 the Esoi)ixs Indians 
Avere called to a conference with the governor and magistrates on 
that subject. The meeting was held on the 27th of April, 1677, at 
Kingston, and the following is a copy of the official account of the 

proceedings : 

" Kingston, the 27 April, 1677. 

" Present His Honor Tlie Governor, Capt. Salisbury, Capt 
Chambers, Mr. "West and the Magistrates : George Davit Inter- 
preter. His Honor the Governor asked the Esopus sachems 
Seworakan, Powerewague, Kailkop, Ankrop and the majority of 
the Esopus Indians, women as well as men, and youths, whether 
they had any claims uj)on the land occupied by us in pursuance of 
the agreement made with his Honor Governor Nicolls. They 
went out and after some time spent in deliberation Kailkop said, 
that they did not think they had sold land so far noi'th, but they 
were well satisfied we should have it, provided his Honor would 
give him a blanket, a shu"t and a loaf of bread. The Governor 
then enquired whether that would satisfy them completely, to 
Avhich lie replied yes ; but if his Honor would add a piece of Cloth, 
it would be well. He, and the Sachems and all the other Indians 
were told to point out or describe the boundaries as they were to 
he now. They described them as follows. Beginning at the Ron- 
duyt Kill, thence to a Kill called Kahakasnik, north along the hills 
to a Kill called Magowasinginck, thence to the second fall, easterly 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 69 

to the Freedeyaclikamick, on tlie CTi-oote Revier, along the river 
south to Rondnyt Kill, with every thing lying within these good 
and bad hills, valleys, waters etc. Kailkop further declared that 
he had ceded to the old sawyer his claim upon a Kill, called tlie 
Sawyers Kill, and the land stretching up to the boundary of the 
land belonging to the Katskil Indians, along the river as far as 
the mountains above. Whereupon his Honor the Governor asked 
the Sachems and all the other Savages old and young, whether 
this was so ; they should give a free and fearless answer. They 
replied it was so, and nobody else had any claim upon the land. 
Questioned once more, whether they were satisfied with the afore- 
said pajTuent, they said yes fully. His Honor then gave to Kail- 
kop in presence of all the others the articles agreed upon as full 
pay ; to wit, a blanket, a shirt, baize for socks, a piece of cloth 
and a loaf of bread." 

The agreement was signed by the sachems in behalf of all the 
Esopus Indians. 

On the 29th of September, 1677, a patent was granted by Grov- 
ernor Andros to Louis Du Bois, Christian Doyan, Abraham Has- 
brocq, Andre Lefebvre, Jean Has Brocqs, Peter Doyan, Louis Be- 
viere, Anthoine Crispell, Abraham Du Bois, Hugo Frere, Isaac Du 
Bois, Simon Lefebvre, then residents of Esopus, for a large tract of 
land extending along the Shawangunk Mountains from " Mohunk" 
to "Taurataque," and along the Hudson River from " Raphoos"' 
down to " Jauffroue Hook." The tract had been previously pur- 
chased by the patentees from the Indians, and comprised about 
one hundred and forty -four square miles. 

In the next spring, after the grant, nine of the patentees re- 
moved Anth their families, took possession of their ]3urchase, and 
located themselves where the village of New Paltz is now situated. 
The rich and extensive lowlands along the Walkill formed the at- 
traction which drew them thither. Being prairie land, it was at 
once ready for cultivation. This was the first Christian settlement 
in that locality, and the lands under their management soon be- 
came one of the richest and most prosperous farming sections of 
the country. 

In reply to sundry inquiries made by the Duke of York, Gov- 
ernor Andros thus described the nature of the government in 1678 : 

1. The governor is to have a council, not exceeding ten, with 
whose advice he is to act for the good and safety of the country. 
In every town, village, or parish, there is a petty court, with juris- 
diction to five pounds and under ; an appeal lies from it to the 
sessions. There are courts of sessions in the several precincts on 
Long Island and towns of New Tork, Albany, and Esopus, and 
some smaU or poor islands and out places. The courts of sessions 



70 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

have jurisdictions in all sums over li^'e and under tAventy pounds, 
with right of appeal to the assizes, llie general court of assizes 
meets at New York once a year, and is composed of the governor 
and all the justices and magistrates. 

Tlie chief legislative power is in the governor, with advice of 
the council. The executive power, of judgment rendered by the 
courts, is in the sherifiE and other civil officers. 

While Governor Andros was thiis absent from home, and en- 
gaged in administering the government of the colony, his enemies 
were at work endeavoring to undennine his influence and standing 
with the duke. Tliey succeeded, to a certain extent, in poisoning 
the mind of his j^atron, by making numerous charges of misconduct 
against him, including a misappropriation of the reveniies. They 
also accused him of improperly favoring Dutchmen in trade, and 
making laws injurious to the English. 

The duke thereupon, on the 24th of i^ray, 1680, gave a commis- 
sion to a man named John Lewin, to proceed to New York and 
make a thorough investigation into all the revenue accounts of the 
province, examine the records, and ascertain also whether trade 
had been obstructed, and, if so, how it could be remedied. He also 
sent by Lewin an order to Governor Andros to commit his govern- 
ment to the care of Lieutenant BrockhoUs, who was the comman- 
dant at Albany, give such instructions for the public safety as cir- 
ciimstances might requii-e, and return to England by the flrst con- 
veyance. 

Lewin arrived in New York on the 16th of October. As soon 
as Andros received the duke's orders, he at once convened the 
council, summoned Brockholls from Albany, and made his ar- 
rangements to leave. He sailed on the 6th of January, 1681. 

On the 9th of December, 1680, there appeared an extraordinary 
comet, which caused very great consternation throughout the prov- 
nce, with forebodings of dreadful happenings and divine punish- 
iments. It is described, in a letter dated January 1st, 1681, as having 
" appeared in the Southwest on the ninth of December last, about 
two o' clock in the afternoon, fair sunshine weather, a little above 
the sun, which takes its course more northerly, and was seen the 
Sunday night, right after about twilight, with a very fiery tail or 
streamer in the west, to the great astonishment of all spectators, 
and is now seen every night with clear weather. Undoubtedly, 
God threatens us with dreadful punishments if we do not repent. " 
The letter then suggested the propriety of proclaiming a day of 
humiliation and prayer. 

Soon after the dejiarture of Governor Andros the incapacity of 
Brockholls, added to the stupidity or meddlesome wickedness of 
Lewin, prodiiced great trouble and insuliordination tliroughout 



HISTOEY OF KINGSTON. 71 

the province. Esopus was affected to such an extent that Sheriff 
Delavall was specially ordered to prevent " all undue and unlawful 
meetings of the People without authority." 

It appears that the revenue laws, including both direct and in- 
direct taxation, had, when passed, been limited in their operation 
to three years, which time had very nearly expired when Governor 
Andros left. As soon as the limit was reached, the ]3eople refused 
to pay, and denied the authority of the existing government to 
impose or collect taxes or duties. The principle of ' ' taxation only 
by consent" was boldly set forth and insisted on, and the provin- 
cial government was j^owerless in the premises ; they could not 
stem the popular current. A metropolitan jury presented to the 
court of assizes the want of a provincial assembly as a grievance. 
The court thereupon adopted a petition to the Duke of York, rep- 
resenting that " revenues and b^^rdens had been exacted from them 
(the people) against theii' wills, their trade burdened, and their 
liberty entliralled, contrary to the privileges of loyal subjects ;" 
and petitioned that his province might for the future be ruled by a 
governor, council, and assembly, ' ' the assembly to be duly elected 
and chosen by the Freeholders of this your Royal Highness' 
Colony." 

It appears, from a letter A^Titten by Colonel BrockhoUs to Cap- 
tain Delavall, the chief magistrate at Esopus, that the troubles and 
insubordination in that region were of such character that Sheriff' 
Delavall wanted to resign. The records and papers do not show 
the particular nature and character of the disturbances, but the 
tenor of the letters lead to the inference that it arose in part in 
the matter of the disposal of land, and even reached the bench of 
magistrates, and created a division thereon. Louis Du Bois, one of 
the magistrates, appears to have been one of the ringleaders or 
offenders therein. In the letter above alluded to, dated January 
12th, 1682, BrockhoUs stated to Delavall that he was sorry so 
much trouble had happened to him, which he had thought his last 
letter would have greatly prevented ; that in the matter of the 
disposal of land, " the thing chiefly insisted on," he approved of 
his demanding the full observance of the law, " which gives par- 
ticular directions, and is the rule for aU to walk by." In regard 
to " building on out fanns," he stated that it was " certainly 
most necessary to keeiJ together in townships, and if any contrary, 
to be proceeded against accordingly." The letter then continued, 
as follows : "I knew your good nature did so far condescend when 
here to pass by all f onner affronts from Justice Louis Du Bois, and 
hoped his carriage and comportment would not have provoked you 
again, but find my expectation deceived." Tlie letter then con- 
tains an entreaty for DelavaU " to bear as easily as possible," as 



72 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

there was no other remedy to prevent a quarrel ; and. Brockholls 
refused to permit him to lay down his commission, and then 
continued, as follows : ' ' But desire the diligent execution there- 
of, for the general good, in which you never have been want- 
ing." 

In the month of March he wrote another letter to Captain Dela- 
vall, in which, after acknowledging the receipt of one dated the 3d 
of March, 1682, he stated that he " expected a better account of 
your parties than the continixed discord, especially among the 
magistrates, whose business it is to prevent it in others, much 
more to avoid it in themselves. I know not where the fault par- 
ticularly lies, but believe you will be no ways wanting." In ref- 
erence to some Indian reports referred to by Captain Delavall in 
the letter, he believed them to be groundless, but offered to send 
ordinance. He also stated that he had received orders for the 
continuance of all magistrates and justices in their several stations 
until furthei' orders. 

Captain Delavall died not long after the receipt of the above 
letter. Louis Du Bois continued to be as troublesome and vex- 
atious as ever ; but our limited knowledge of the cause, origin, or 
character of the trouble prevents the formation of any opinion as 
to its actual merits. 

In January, 1682, Andros was tried before the duke's commis- 
sioners upon the charges which had been presented against him. 
On such trial he was acquitted of all censure, and complimented 
on his administration ; and was then made a gentleman of the 
king' s privy chamber. 

In February, 1682, Brockholls was instructed " to keep all 
things in New York and its dependencies in good order," audit 
was intimated, in behalf of the duke, that the prayer for an assem- 
bly would probably be gi-anted iipon certain conditions. The 
duke, however, continued to procrastinate, and hesitated to com- 
l^ly ; but he found the people unyielding, and saw that unless he 
complied there would be no revenue. 

In March, 1684, the duke instructed Brockholls that he in- 
tended ' ' to establish such a form of Government at New York as 
shall have all the advantages and privileges which the other plan- 
tations of his Majesty enjoy ; particularly in choosing an assembly, 
and in all other things, as near as may be, agreeable to the laws of 
England. But I shall expect that the county of New York, and 
its dependencies, shall provide funds for the support of the Gov- 
ernment and garrison, and discharge of arrears." Notwithstand- 
ing such assurances, he still liesitated, but found the people would 
not be satisfied with honeyed words and phrases ; they demanded 
something more than promises. In the mean time, the disturbances 



HISTOEY OF KINGSTON. 73 

at New York continued, and Esopus and Albany, as well as Long 
Island, gave the government mncli tronble. 

On the 25th of October, 16S2, BrockhoUs wrote to the magis- 
trates and conrt at Esopus, that the existing magistrates and jus- 
tices were continued in office, and that a commission had been 
issued to Thomas Chambers as justice in the place of Thomas Dela- 
vall deceased. He also therein stated his approval of the building 
of a prison and coui't-house, and directed that the cost tiiereof 
should be defrayed by all the inhabitants of the several towns pro- 
portionably. 

It appears there had been trouble at the then last court of ses- 
sions at Kingston between the magistrates, on account of which 
they had been compelled to adjourn the court. Tliat fact is alluded 
to in the letter, and Louis Du Bois is charged with being the cause 
thereof, and that on that account, and also on account of former 
complaints made against him, they had detennined to remove him, 
and asked that the names of two fit persons, living near to him, be 
sent at the first opx)ortunity, from whom a successor might be 
selected. 

On the 15tli of January, 1683, BrockhoUs acknowledged the 
receipt of a letter from Thomas Chambers, dated 28th of Decem- 
ber, "by Indian Post," with good news of peace and quiet, and 
then wi'ote to Chambers as follows : "I thought Du Bois being put 
out of Commission, would have ceased giving your further trouble, 
which I find he does not, but if he j)ersists in being troublesome, 
such legal course must be taken as may make him quiet.'' He 
then signified his approval of Chambers' s restoration of an Indian 
child, which had been seized by force to compel the payment of a 
debt, and said : " If the inhabitants trust any of them (the Ind- 
ians), it is on their own peril and risque, being without remedy for 
recover J'." 

He suggested that " an ordinaiy for the entertainment of 
strangers was very necessary, and if an honest, sufficient man will 
undertake the same, he may be licensed and authorized as the law 
directs." 

Notwithstanding the removal of Du Bois, the troubles on the 
bench appear to have continued in Kingston, and call for more 
reproof. 

On the 6th of Apiil, 1683, Captain BrockhoUs wrote to Thomas 
Chambers, and expressed surprise that he, Chambers, who had 
been ajDpointed to keep and preserve peace and order, and show 
good pattern and example, should have been so easily excited, with 
passion and prejudice, without provocation. That his duty was 
to distribute justice equally, impaitially, and with moderation and 
meekness, the law being his guide ; and if his opinion was ' ' over 



74 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Toted," it was his duty silently to give way and acqiiiesce. That 
he saw no caiise for the removal of Mr. La Montagne from office ; 
he must continue in office as constable. He further stated that, 
upon an equal division of the court, the constable or president of 
the coiirt had the casting vote. 

The Duke of York, becoming fully satisfied that he would not 
be able to realize any income whatever from the province until he 
yielded to the demand for an assembly, and also constrained, by 
the exti'emely unsettled condition of affairs in his province imder 
the existing defective government, finally, in October, 1682, com- 
missioned Colonel Thomas Dongan to be his colonial-governor. In 
January, 1683, he sent a notice to Brockholls that the new gov- 
ernor would soon be at his post. 

Tlie Duke of York, in his instructions to the new governor, 
directed him, on his arrival at New York, to call together Fi-ed- 
ei-ick Phillipse, Stephen Van Cortlandt, and others of the most 
eminent inliabitants, not exceeding ten in all, " and swear them to 
allegiance to the King, fealty to the Duke as Lord and Proprietor, 
and official faithfulness as members of his Council." 

This council was to enjoy freedom of debate, and vote in all 
affairs affecting the public. They were to hold their office, subject 
to suspension hj the governor, until the duke' s pleasure should be 
signified. 

He was further directed, immediately on his arrival, with ad- 
■vice of the council, to issue writs to the proper oflacers in all parts 
of his government, for the election of a general assembly of all the 
freeholdei's, to be composed of delegates chosen by the freeholders 
as their representatives, to consult with the governor and council 
what laws are ' ' fit and necessarj' to be made and established, for 
the good weal and government of said Colony, and its dependen- 
cies, and all the inhabitants thereof." 

The number of delegates was not to exceed eighteen in all, and 
were to meet in the city of New York. They were to have free 
liberty to consult and debate among themselves in regard to all 
laws deemed proper to be established for the government of the 
province and its dependencies. 

All laws, when agreed to by the assembly, were to be submit- 
ted to the governor and council, and if agreed to by them, were to 
be the laws of the province, and considered good and binding until 
disapproved by the duke. 

Among otlier directions for the protection of life and property, 
the instructions provided that no war could be made without the 
duke's command, nor any duties levied until enacted by a colonial 
assembly. 

Thus were the inhabitants of the province of New York granted 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOJf. 75 

a voice in the government, and the princiiDle recognized, ' ' No tax- 
ation without rei^resentation." 

Governor Dongan arrived in New York on the 28th of August, 
1683. On the 13th of September, 1083, he issued writs to the dif- 
ferent precincts for the clioice of representatives by the freeholders, 
to appear for them in a general assembly, to be held at New York 
on the 17th day of October then next. Tlie Avrit issued to Esopus 
ordered the sheriff of Esopus to warn the freeholders of each town 
to choose four of their number as a committee, to meet Avith a sim- 
ilar committee from eacli of tlie other towns in the precinct, at the 
sessions house, and there to choose two to be the representatives 
for Esopus at a general assembly to be held at New Yorli the 17th 
day of October next ensuing. Tlie delegates elected for Esopus 
were Henry Beeckman and "William Ashford. 

The elections were held in the different precincts or ridings, and 
delegates elected according to the following apportionment ; a ma- 
jority of those chosen were of the Dutch nation. 

Long Island, two in each riding ; Staten Island, one ; Esopus, 
two ; New York, with Harlem, four ; Albany and Rensalaerwick, 
two ; Schenectady, one ; Pemaquid, one ; Martha's Vineyard and 
Nantucket, one. 

On September 13th, Governor Dongan established the current 
value of foreign coin as follows : All pieces of 8, being INIexican 
pillars weighing 15 pwt., 6/ ; all Peru of good silver, same weight, 
5/ halves, 3/ quarters, | reals, 9 pence. 

The 17th day of October, 1683, was rendered memorable and 
distinguished in the history of New York by the first meeting of 
the jDeople' s representatives in a deliberative assembly, under Brit- 
ish rule, to propound laws for the government of the province. 
Seventeen delegates to the general assembly took their seats in 
Fort James on that day as a law-making body. The journal of 
that assembly is missing, and the names of aU the delegates are 
not known. Matthias Nichols, of the city of New York, was chosen 
Speaker, and John Spragg, the Secretary of the Province, was 
made clerk. The assembly were in session three weeks, passed 
fourteen acts, all of which received the assent of the governor and 
council. 

The first of these laws was " the charter of liberties and priv- 
ileges granted by his Royal Highness to the inhabitants of New 
York and its dependencies." It provided, among other things, 
that the sui:)reme legislative authority should forever be and reside 
in " a Governor, Council and the People, met in a general as- 
sembly ;' ' that every ' ' freeholder in the Province, and foreman 
in any corporation, shall have his free choice and vote in the elec- 
tion of Representatives ;" and that " the majority of voices shall 



76 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

carry it." " Entire freedom of Conscience and religion was guar- 
anteed to all i^eaceable persons, professing ' faith in God by Jesus 
Christ.' " 

It also declared "that no aid, tax, tallage, assessment, cus- 
tom, loan, benevolence, or imposition whatsoever, shall be laid, 
assessed, imposed, or levied on any of his Majesty's subjects, 
within this Province, or their estates, upon any manner of color or 
pretence, bixt by the act and consent of the Governor, Council, and 
Representatives of the People, in General Assembly met and as- 
sembled." 

A revenue act was also passed, as an appendage to the preced- 
ing, granting to the Duke of York and his heirs certain specified 
duties on importations. 

Thus were the representatives of the province of New York, 
with the Dutch in a majority, the first legislative assembly in this 
country to assert the great principle, which had been nuxintained 
in Holland since the fifteenth century, of " Taxation only by con- 
sent." 

Among the laws enacted by that assembly was also one " to 
divide the Province and dependencies into shires and counties." 
By that act twelve counties were established. Ulster County was 
thereby created, being thus named after the duke' s Irish earldom. 
Its limits included " the towns of Kingston, Hurley, Marbletown, 
Fox hall, and the New Paltz, and all the village neighborhoods 
and Christian habitations on the west side of the Hudson River, 
from the Murderer' s Creek to the Sawyer's Creek;" thus extend- 
ing from the creek entering the river just above Cornwall, at the 
Highlands, on the south, to the Sawyer's Creek on the north, and 
from the Hudson River on the east to the bounds of the province 
on the west. It thus included the present town of Newburg and 
all of Orange County lying west of it. 

It was also enacted that every year a high sheriff should be 
commissioned for each county. 

At that session they also passed an act to " Settle courts of 
Justice," and thereby established four distinct tribunals : (1) Town 
courts, for the trial of small causes, to be held each month. (2) 
County courts, or courts of sessions, to be held quarterly or half 
yearly. A general court of Oyer and Terminer, with original and 
appellate jurisdiction, to sit twice a year in each county, and a 
court of chancery, to be the supreme court of the pi'ovince, com- 
posed of the governor and council, with power in the governor to 
depute a chancellor in his stead ; reserving the right of appeal 
to the king. Under that law Matthias Nichols and John Palmer 
were appointed the judges of the New York Oyer and Terminer. 

Another act was passed, declaring that all the actual inhabi- 
tants of the province, except bondmen, of what foreign nation 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIf. 77 

soever, who iirofessed Christianity and had taken or should take 
the oatli of allegiance, were naturalized ; and that all Christian 
foreigners who should afterward come and settle themselves in the 
province might be naturalized upon swearing allegiance to the 
king and fidelity to the duke. 

Shortly after the adjournment of the assembly, under one of 
the statutes above referred to William Ashford was appointed and 
commissioned as sheriff of the county of Ulster, and Thomas Gar- 
ton and Henry Beeckman as justices of the peace for said county, 
by the governor and council. At the court of sessions, held on the 
2r)th day of January, 1684, those officers attended and presented 
their commissions. It was then resolved that the magistrates of 
each town should take turns in attending the courts. The general 
court then ax^pointed magistrates for the several towns, including 
Michael Garton, Jan Williamson, and Jan Tocken for Kingston. 
It also appointed Jacoli Rutgers as constable for Kingston. 

These appointments of local officers by the general court was 
distasteful to the burghers of Kingston, and they determined to 
remonstrate against it. A meeting was called for that purpose, 
and a petition was prepared and numerously signed, of which the 
following is a copy : 

" To the Right Hon Col Thomas Dongan Governor General of all 
his Royal Highness' Territory in America. 

" The humble petition of the Inhabitants of Esopus in the 
county of Ulster Sheweth 

" That whereas the Inhabitants of Esopus in the county of 
Ulster, for their own part having bought and paid for, of the Ind- 
ians, their land in fuU satisfaction of the same, and peaceably 
possessed for several years ; and then it pleased God there was a 
combination among the Indians, and they made wars, and it fell 
upon these our parts, killed several of the Inhabitants, took sev- 
eral Prisoners, and Jjurned our dwellings, to the great loss of goods 
and blood and spoil of our place, with a siege during three weeks, 
and so through God" s assistance we beat them off, and then were 
forced to plough, sow, mow and all other woi'k, w'ith a great 
guard at our own charge, not receiving Moneys or relief of any 
other part of the Country, to the reparing of our losses, and since 
the settlement of this Government by His Royal Highness, it 
pleased Governor Nichols and Governor Lovelace to settle several 
of the Soldiers amongst us, in the town of ISIarble, to be governed 
among the rest by the laws of His Royal Highness, and we have 
always yielded our allegiance and obedience to the same rendering 
and i^aying Such duties as were required of us both to the Gov- 
ernor or his Royal Highness customs. 



78 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

' ' Therefore your honors Petitioners humbly pray, that we may 
have tlie liberty, by charter to this county, to choose our own 
officers to every town court by the Major voice of the Freeholders, 
and that they may decide all actions of debt to the value of live 
pounds or more, it being very prejudicial to this county in regard 
to a lesser sum to be decided, because the trade of this county is 
most among poor farmers, and charges of higher courts will prove 
very Burdensome, for such small sums. And that we may make 
such orders among ourselves, in every town court in this county, 
for the preservation of the corn fields, meadow ground, goods and 
chattels according as the convenience of the year and place do re- 
quire, and that all such fines, levied by the town courts, may be 
for the use of the same, not exceeding twenty shillings, according 
to the laws of His Royal Highness. And fiirther, that we may 
have liberty to transport all grain, flour, beef, pork and all such 
produce, as are now or hereafter may be within this county, ren- 
dering and paying all such dues and customs as are required by the 
laws of the government. And Honors Petitioners as in duty 
bound shall ever pray etc. 

" Hend. Aertson. Yomas. Abel. A. Westvaels. Jan Lousell. 
Cornells Tinhout. I. S. Jan Scliut. Abraham Lameter. Roelof 
Kierstade— Jochem Engelbert — Severyen Tenhout — Yannamen — 
Henderick Clasen — Jan Pieterse — Henderick Kip. Cornells Slecht 
— Bruyn Henderickse — Peter Cornelese — Willem Pietersen Beck — 
Jan Willemsen — Gysbert van Gardon — Bruyn Hagen — Arent Tue- 
nessen. Benjamin Provoost — Henderick Van Wy. Win. D la Mon- 
tague Henderyck Ten Eyck — W Demire— Symon Cool — Ffrans 
Goedris — Harmonn Hyndryx — Johannis AVestvael — Barentse Kool 
— Jacobus Elman Dorff — Jacob Aertson — Jacob Kool — Jan Hen- 
derickse — Henderick Albertse — Tjerck Claesen de Witt. Wessel 
Ten Broeck — Claes Tunise — Jacob Rutgers — Jan Eltinge— Johannis 
de Hooges — Jan Flake — Lodewyake Hoorenbeck — Cornelis Hoogen- 
boom — Jan Alert Tenrees— Matys Matysen— Matys Ten Eyck — N 
Anthony — Mosys De Pue — Pieter Pieteerson — John Hammell — 
Hyman Albertsen Roose — Willem Vraedenburgh — Arie Albertsen 
Roose. Mattys Slecht — Cornelis Coole — Egbert Hendrickse — 
Mattys Blanchan — Matheu Blanchan — Claes Juriaen — Jurien West- 
fall— Jan jNIattysen — Gysbert Krom." 

The petition, on presentation, was accorded a reception very 
different from that which Avas anticipated. The governor and 
council evidently had not been indoctrinated in the right of peti- 
tion. The former probably imagined himself at the head of his 
regiment, dealing with protesting soldiers, for both he and the 
council took great umbrage at the presentation of the paper. Upon 
their order the petitioners were all arrested and indicted for a riot, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 79 

under an English law, at the succeeding June tenn of the court. 
Upon being arraigned, they pleaded guilty of signing and present- 
ing the petition. They were then respectively fined and gave bail. 
At the following September term, upon appearing in court, and 
acknowledging that they had been ill-advised, they were released 
and their fines remitted. 

The preceding is an exhibit of the early exj^erience of our an- 
cestors, in their exercise of the sacred right of petition, indicted 
as risters and disturbers of the peace. In their country's infancy 
they had to succumb ; but, fortunately for their descendants, the 
wheels of progress were in motion, and never halted. In less than 
a century subsequent the maintenance of that right robbed the 
British cro\vn of its brightest jewel. 

On the 26th of August, 1684, the Duke of York wrote to Gov- 
ernor Dongan a letter, in which he stated : ' ' My Commissioners are 
making what dispatch they can with those bills, that you have 
sent hither, and particularly with that which contains the fran- 
chises and privileges of the Colony of New York, wherein if any 
alterations are made, (either in the fonn or matter of it) they will 
be such as shall be equally or more 'advantageous to the Peoi^le 
there, and better adjusted to the laws of England." 

This was written when he was simply proprietor, as D ake of 
York ; we wiU hereafter see what was his change of front after he 
had assumed the robes of royalty. 

On the 21st of October, 1684, the New York Assembly con- 
vened pursuant to adjoiirnment, and thirty-one laws were passed 
and assented to by the governor and council. Among them was 
one to confinn previous judgments, and abolish the general court 
of assizes. That court being thus abolished, was replaced by the 
court of Oyer and Tenniner, of which Nichols and Palmer had 
been appointed judges. A court of chancery, with other courts, 
was then arranged and organized. 

Charles the Second, King of England, died in the early part of 
February, 1685. Immediately thereafter the Duke of York as- 
cended the British throne as his successor, under the title of James 
the Second. His ownershii^ of the j)rovince, under a royal grant to 
him as the Duke of York, was at once lost, and merged in the 
superior and higher title of the crown ; and thenceforward, there- 
fore. New York ceased to be the patent or property of an individ- 
ual, and became a province of the kingdom. 



CHAPTER YI. 

FROM THE ACCESSION OF JAMES THE SECOND, FEBRUARY, 1685, TO 
THE ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR FLETCHER, 1691. 

AT the time the Diike of York ascended the British throne, on 
the 9th day of February, 1685, and jVew York thereby be- 
came a province of the kingdom, the charter of liberties and jjriv- 
ileges for the province of New York, as enacted by the provincial 
law-making power under the duke, had not been linally acted on. 
The king very soon thereafter, however, and on the 3d of March, 
refused to confirm it. In the communication refusing such con- 
firmation, lie and his council, " the committee of trade and plan- 
tations," directed Colonel Dongan, as Governor of New York, " to 
pursue such powers and instructions as he shall receive under his 
majesty's signet and sign manual until further orders." 

This refusal to conjiron was not technically a repeal of the law, 
and it was therefore still considered in force, subject to further 
action. 

On the 5th of ]\farch, 1685, special royal instructions were sent 
to Governor Dongan to continue in office all men being in the oflice 
of government at the decease of the late king, until further orders, 
and directing him to make proclamation accordingly. 

The then existing Colonial Assembly was considered as dis- 
solved by the decease of the king and consequent change of rela- 
tions, and therefore Dongan, by proclamation, declared such dis- 
solution, and issued writs for the election of new representatives, 
to meet at New York on the 20th of October, 1685. The new as- 
sembly met on the day appointed, but adjourned early in Novem- 
ber, to meet again on the 25th of September, 1686. 

James, as king, was not disposed to continue or grant to New 
York rights and privileges which were wrung from him as Duke 
of York. He supposed that matters which he could not enforce 
as individiial owner he could, with the power of the throne and 
kingdom to sustain him. And consequently, on the 29th day of 
May, 1686, the king issued instructions to Governor Dongan, the 
twelfth paragraph in which reads as follows : 

' ' 12. AVhereas we have been presented with a bill or charter, 
passed in the late assembly of New York, containing several fran- 



HISTORY OF KIN^GSTON. 81 

chises, privileges and immunities, mentioned to be granted to tlie 
inliabitants of our said Province, you are to declare our will and 
pleasure, that the said bill or Charter of franchises be forthwith 
repealed and disallowed, as the same is hereby rej)ealed determined 
and made void. But you are nevertheless with our said Council 
to continue the duties and impositions thereinmentioned to be 
raised, until you shall, with the consent of the council, settle such 
taxes and impositions as shall be sufficient for the supi:)Oi't of the 
Government of. New York." 

A few days thereafter, and on the 10th of June, 1686, the king 
executed a new commission to Governor Dongan, and thereliy 
vested in him and the council appointed by the Idng absolute 
power of government, including ' ' full power and authority, with 
the advice and consent of our said Council, or the major part of 
them, to make, constitute and ordain laws, statutes and ordinances 
for the public welfare and good government of our said Province, 
and of the People and ijihabitants thereof, and such others as 
shall resort thereto, and for the lienefit of us, our heirs and suc- 
cessors." 

All such statutes, ordinances, etc., were to be transmitted 
within three months to the king, for his allowance and approba- 
tion. The king, also by such commission, vested in the governor 
full power and authority, with the advice and consent of the coun- 
cil, or a major imrt of them, "to imjjose, assess, raise and levy 
such rates and taxes as he shall find necessary for the support of 
our Government of New York ;" and he further directed that tlie 
style of all the laws should be " by the Governor and Council," and 
not otherwise. The governor was further authorized and empow- 
ered thereby " to constitute and appoint Judges and Justices of 
the Peace, and other necessary officers and ministers in our said 
Province of New York, for the better administration of justice and 
putting the laws in execution." 

Thus were the colonists again, after the enjoyment of a right 
for a brief period, deprived of all right of representation, and to be 
controlled and taxed at the beck of the creatures of a tyrant. 

In the instructions accompanying the commission, the king 
particularly directed that ' ' no Schoolmaster be pemiitted to come 
from England and teach School, without a license from the Lord 
Arch Bishop of Canterbury. And that no other person, now there 
or that shall come from other parts, be admitted to keep school 
without your license first had." The instructions also contained 
directions to the governor ' ' to provide by all necessary orders, 
that no person keep any j^ress for printing, nor that any book, 
pamphlett or other matter, whatsoever be printed, without your 
special leave and license first obtained." 
6 



82 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Thus did James, in exhil^iting his tyrannical disposition, evince 
the same dread that all tyrants feel for the independent school- 
master and a free and independent press. 

The citizens, of course, were indignant at this action of the king 
and his ministry, but they were powerless in the premises, and 
forced to submit. Some of their niimber, as we have seen, had 
been made to feel that the word " riot," as construed in the j^rov- 
ince by the appointees of royalty, was a very comprehensive word, 
and might carry a blow when least expected. So the feeling was 
apparently smothered for the time ; it was not crushed — it simply 
abode a favorable time for action. 

On the 19th day of May, 1687, Governor Dongan issued a'patent 
or gi-ant of a large territory of land to trustees for the benefit of 
the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Kingston. The 
gi'ant afterward received the formal approval of the council at a 
meeting held at Fort James on Tliursday, the 17th day of May, 
1688, and it was recorded the same day in the Colonial Book of 
Patents. A complete copy will be found in the Appendix. 

The patent conveyed to the trustees named therein and their 
successors, as a body corporate, all that tract of land in the county 
of Ulster ' ' to begin at the bounds of the County of Albany, thence 
to run Southward along Hudson's river to Little Esopus Creek, 
thence on a west line to the bounds of Tluiiey, from thence along 
the bounds of Hurley to a certain creek called Motthar Creek, 
thence Northerly to another certain creek, Preemaker Creek, 
thence upon a North line three English miles into the woods ; 
thence the same course as the mountains range to the bounds of 
Albany aforesaid, and from thence along the said Boimds to Hud- 
son River ;" with a full ha))endum clause, reserving a yearly rent 
of one hiindi'ed and four bushels of sweet merchantable wheat, to 
be paid at the city of New York on the 25th day of March in each 
year. The grant contained a proviso that nothing therein con- 
tained was to affect ' ' the right, title, interest, property, claim and 
demand of any particular person or pei'sons holding ... by virtue 
of any former grant or patent whatever." 

He, by the said patent, then " declares, determines and grants 
that tlie said Inhaliitants and Freeholders, the freemen of Kings- 
ton aforesaid, commonly called by the name of the Freeholders 
and Inhabitants of the town of Kingston, or by whatever name or 
names they are called or named, and their successors forever hence 
forward are, and shall be one body Corjiorate and Politick in deed 
and name, and by name of the Trustees of fJie Freeholders and 
Commonality of the town of Klngstony He ordained and created 
them a body corj^oi-ate and politic, with succession forever, with 
fuU power to hold and convey real estate and personal property of 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON'. 83 

every kind, and to sue and be sued in the corporate name. Tlie 
grant made the parties named therein tlie first trustees, and then 
provided for an annual election, on the first Tuesday in March each 
year, of twelve trustees, to hold for one year. The grant further 
pi'ovided that the ti'ustees or their successors might, at any time, 
upon the issue of a summons obtained from a justice of the peace, 
on the application of three freeholders of the to^vn, meet at the town 
house or some other public place, as they should from time to time 
appoint, " to make such acts and orders in writing for tlie more 
orderly doing of the premises, as the said Trustees and their success- 
ors from time to time shall and may think convenient, not repug- 
nant to the laws of England and of the Province." 

The grant also provided that at the annual election of trustees 
there should also be chosen three constables and three assessors for 
the town of Kingston. It also dii-ected that, at the time and place 
of such election, out of the twelve trustees elected, five of their 
number were to be authorized, commissioned, and emijowered " to 
hold pleas of debt and trespass, with the same power and author- 
ity that Commissioners of the respective towns hold and enjoy the 
same under the statute. Three to be a quorum to hold the court. ' ' 

The trustees named in the patent at once organized thereunder 
and designated the live magistrates ; but the entire record of their 
proceedings, both as trustees and as a local court, from their cre- 
ation until the month of October, 1713, has been lost, and is no- 
where to be found. Consequently their proceedings up to that 
time, except so far as they are developed in recorded deeds, have 
been swept into oblivion, and must be passed over by the historian 
in silence. 

The French in Canada, together with the Indians under their 
influence, gave great annoyance to the frontier settlements ; and 
Albany and Schenectady were j)articularly exjjosed to their at- 
tacks, and were kept in an almost constant state of alarm. The 
military of Esopus were under frequent orders for their assistance. 

In August, 1687, Governor Dongan, upon his return from 
Albany, after one of his visits there in reference to the French 
troubles, convened his council in regard to some expenses con- 
nected therewith. To meet such expenses, the governor and coun- 
cil made a levy of a penny on a pound upon the freeholders and 
inhabitants of Kings, Queens, Dukes, Duchess, Richmond, Orange, 
Westchester, and Suffolk counties ; but only a half penny on the 
pound upon New York, Albany, and Ulster counties, because they 
said " these three places are the only support of the Government." 

In his report made in 1686 to the Privy Council upon the state 
of the provinces, the governor stated that the principal towns 
within the government were New York, Albany, and Kingston at 



84 \ HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Esopiis ; that all the rest were country villages ; that the build- 
ings at New York and Albany were generally of stone and brick. 
In the country the houses were mostly new, having two or three 
rooms on a floor. He further reported that the Dutch were " great 
improvers of land." 

King James, in the year 1688, united all the North American 
British possessions, except Pennsylvania, under one viceregal gov- 
ernment, and commissioned Edmund Andros as his "Governor- 
General over the whole territory and dominion of New England in 
America." Governor Dongan being thus superseded, the king 
tendered him the command of a regiment, with the rank of major- 
general of artillery, in the British Army. 

The commission issued to Governor Andros was specific, and of 
very much the same character as the one given to Dongan. It 
vested the law-making power in the governor and council, subject 
to the royal approval. Captain Francis Nicholson, then in com- 
mand of a company of regular soldiers at Boston, was commis- 
sioned lieutenant-governor, with directions to observe the orders of 
his chief. The commission reached Boston in Jidy, 1688, when 
Andros was jjroclaimed governor, and Francis Nicholson installed 
as lieutenant-governor. 

On the 11th of August the new governor arrived at New York, 
and was appropriately received and escorted by a regiment of foot 
and a troop of horse. The king's commission was then read at 
Fort James, and published at the City Hall. A proclamation was 
at once issued continuing all persons not removed h\ order of the 
king in their respective offices, and directing the taxes to be con- 
tinued. 

The union was very distastefixl to the Dutchmen of New York, 
but of course submission was the only alternative. 

On the 30tli of Augiist the governor, accomjianied by some of 
his counsellors, left New York by sloop for Albany, where he was 
met by the lieutenant-governor, and had a friendly conference with 
the Indians. On his way to New Yoi'k from Alliany he stopped 
at Kingston. There have no records been found of what tianspired 
at that visit. 

On his return to New York, the despatches awaiting him there 
in reference to Indian troubles in Maine compelled him to leave at 
once for Boston. He did so, and left the lieutenant-governor at 
the head of tlie colony of New York. 

The unsettled state of affairs in England and the rebellion 
against King James encouraged the ojipoxients and enemies of 
Governor Andros, in 'isaw England, to rebel against his rule. He 
was forcibly seized and imprisoned under fabricated charges, and 
thus deprived of the power of government. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 85 

On the 22d of December, 1688, James abdicated the English 
throne, and was succeeded by William and Mary. The news of 
the revolution was received in America in the sj^ring of 1689. That 
was the signal for trouble in the colonial government. Governor 
Audros was in prison at Boston, and the citizens were divided on 
the question of the right of Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to 
rule. A part claimed that Nicholson and the council were legally 
invested with governmental powers ; while, on the other hand, a 
very large proportion, if not, in fact, a majority of the citizens, in- 
sisted that the abdication of the late king overthrew the whole 
machinery of the government, and Nicholson and his council were 
stripped of all authority. The controversy was very bitter, when 
finally, on the 2d of June, 1689, Nicholson delivered up the keys 
and left New York. Jacob Leisler, a Gennan by birth, command- 
ing a company of soldiers, took possession of the fort. Thus New 
York was now left without any legitimate government. 

Leisler, being in possession of the fort with his soldiers, issued 
a manifesto declaring that the fort was held by him in the interest 
of William and Mary, and would be so held until the amval of a 
person proj)erly constituted by the authorities of Great Britain to 
administer the government. He then sent invitations to the sev- 
eral counties and towns in the province of New York to choose 
and send delegates to meet in convention at Fort James, on the . 
2.5th of June, 1689, to take into consideration the present condi- 
tion of affairs. Delegates were chosen in some parts of the prov- 
ince, but Ulster, Albany, and Suffolk counties, with most of the 
towns in Queens, refused to respond. 

The burghers of Kingston had contemplated with great pleas- 
ure and satisfaction the maniage of Prince William of Orange 
\vith the Princess Mary, and their accession to the throne ; but 
they were un\nlling to recognize any self- constituted authority. 
They concluded to stand aloof, maintain the local government 
under their patent, and await the establishment of a legal govern- 
ment for the province. 

On the 26th of June, 1689, twelve delegates met in convention 
at Fort James, in answer to Captain Leisler' s request. After the 
first meeting two of the delegates withdrew. The remaining ten 
formed themselves into a Committee of Safety, and the next day 
signed a commission appointing Leisler " captain of the fort at 
New York, until orders shall be received from their Majesties." 
Under that authority Leisler at once assumed the po^vers of gov- 
ernment. Thus matters continued during the summer and fall. 

Early in the month of December, 1689, a jjacket arrived from 
England, bringing two despatches — one from the king and the other 
from the Pi-ivy Council. They were respectively addressed as fol- 



86 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

lows: "Francis JSTicholson, Esq., oiir Lieutenant Governor, and 
Commander in Chief of our Province of New York in America, 
and in his absence to such as for the time being take care for pre- 
serving the peace and administering the laws in our said Province 
of New York in America." Nicholson having left the province 
and abandoned the government, Leisler considered himself as in- 
chided in the second clause of the address, and opened the des- 
patches. 

The letter of the Privy Council directed Nicholson, as lieutenant- 
governor, " with the assistance of the principal Freeliolders and 
Inhabitants of their Majesties Province in New York, to proclaim 
William and Mary," according to a i^rescribed form enclosed. The 
king in his letter authorized Nicholson to take on himself the 
government of the province, calling to his assistance siich of ' ' the 
principal freeholders and Inhabitants as he should see tit," and 
requiring him also, until further orders, " to do and perform all 
things which to the place and office of our Lieutenant Governor 
and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York doth or 
may appertain." Leisler, considering that he came witliin the 
contingent description in the address, and was thereby clothed 
with the authority conferred by the letter of the king, at once as- 
sumed the title as well as the authority of lieutenant-governor. 

In February, 1690, he issued writs to the several precincts in 
the province for the election of representatives to meet in New 
York, " to consult, debate and conclude all such matters and things 
as might be thought necessary for the supply of this Government 
in this present conjunction." 

Many of the counties failing to respond, he issued a second writ 
of the same purport as the first, dated the 8th day of April, 1690. 
There had been no election under the first call in Ulster County. 
After the receipt of the second writ, Roelotf Swartwout, the sherifl' 
(sellout), on the 11th of April, 1690, wrote a letter to Jacob Mil- 
borne, the private secretary and son-in-law of Leisler, in which, 
after advising him of shipments of grain to Albany, he added : 
" Touching the election of two delegates from our County, it shall 
be done on the 15 Instant. It was put off until your Honours 
arrival here ; I feared a contest. I admit it ought to be a free 
election for all classes, but I would be loth to allow those to vote 
or to be voted for who have refused to this day to take their oath, 
lest so much leaven might again taint that which is sweet, or our 
head men, which probably might happen." 

Ulster was represented in the assembly, together with New York, 
Albany, Queens, and Westchester. The other counties did not 
elect. Tlie names of the Ulster delegates are not known. There is 
no record to be found of their election. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 87 

The assembly thus constituted passed an act "to raise, throug-h- 
out the whole government, a tax of threepence iqaou every pound of 
real and personal property, to be paid the first of June." 

jSTew York City having for some time, under some former ad- 
ministrations, enjoyed a bolting monopoly, to the x^rejudice of both 
Albany and Kingston, the members representing those localities 
succeeded in procuring the passage of a law by that assembly 
enacting " that all towns should have equal freedom to boult and 
bake and to transport where they please, directly to what place 
or country they think fit, anything their places afford, and that 
one place should not have any more privileges than another." 

The assembly was then very suddenly jirorogued until Sep- 
tember. 

The French in 1690 organized three expeditions against the 
English colonies : one at Montreal, to invade New York ; another 
at Three Rivers, to attack New England, between Albany and Bos- 
ton ; and the other at Quebec, to ravage Maine. 

The expedition against New York, consisting' of French and 
Indians, set out from Montreal early in February, and after a 
severe tramp through the snow in intensely cold weather, it reached 
Schenectady. The place was found entii'ely unprepared for an at- 
tack, the gates all open and no guard on duty. The place was 
burned, and the soldiers and nearly all the inhabitants were butch- 
ered. The first notice the inhabitants had of any danger was the 
dreadful warwhoop and the bursting in of their doors. 

As soon as the news reached Alliany, couriers were despatched 
in different directions to Kingston and other places for aid to pro- 
tect Albany. But the Indians came no farther than Schenectady. 
After enacting that scene of blood they started for their homes, 
carrying twenty -five captives with them. 

This raid taught the New York colony the necessity of union 
and the healing of internal dissensions as a protection against the 
common foe, even if it necessitated submission to the rule of one 
whom they considered an usurper. 

After the massacre at Schenectady an attempt was made to 
organize a joint expedition of the several provinces against Quebec. 
Arrangements were made to have Massachusetts and New York 
despatch some ships and soldiers by water, and New York and 
Connecticut send soldiers, with Indians, by land and Lake Cham- 
plain, to make a combined attack upon Quebec. Contrary to the 
wishes of Leisler, the command of the land forces was entrusted to 
General Winthrop, of Connecticut. The expedition proved a com- 
plete failure, apparently through the inefficiency of the command- 
ing officer. He returned -nithout proceeding any farther than 
Wood Creek, a tributary of Lake Champlain at the southern end, 



88 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

and left the forces sent by sea wliolly nnsnpported, to combat 
the entire strength of the Canadas. 

Ulster County had furnished her quota of troops, and had also 
been called upon and forwarded troops for the defence of Albany ; 
and on the lltli of April, 1690, Kingston forwarded nine hundred 
and thirty-six schej)els of maize to Albany for the supjjort of the 
garrison. 

The failui'e of the expedition against Canada, although i)i 
nowise attributable to any fault of Leisler, gave his enemies in the 
province a great opportunity to triumph over him. Had the expe- 
dition been successful, he Avould have been the exalted champion 
of the hour. With its failure, as there are strong grounds for 
belief, through the connivance of his enemies, overpowering weap- 
ons were forged for his destruction. 

On the 16th of November, 1690, an order was issued by the 
governor and council directed to " Major Thomas Cliambers and 
the rest of the military officers under his direction in the County 
of Ulster," requiring them forthwith "to select, out of the county 
of Ulster, one hundred or eighty at least good able men, complete 
in arms, which shall be transported to Albany for his Majesty's 
service, at or upon the first day of January next. And that, at all 
times before, upon notice of the Commissaries at Albany of the 
enemy's apijroaching, you send the said number of men or as 
many as can be obtained without delay." 

There was also accompanying the same an order directed to 
Captain Barent Lewis, Mr. Schermerliorn, and their assistants to 
press twenty men with arms, and three hundred schepels i^eas, and 
two hundred and fifty schepels Indian corn, within the county of 
Ulster, for the expedition to Albany. 

Although their Majesties, William and INIary, had executed a 
commission to Henry Sloughter as Governor of New York as 
early as the 4th day of January, 1689, still, two years subsequent 
thereto he had not arrived in New York, nor had Leisler, the act- 
ing governor, received any notice of his appointment. 

In January, 1691, Cajitain Ingoldsby, with a company of sol- 
diers under his command, arrived in the ship Beaver from Eng- 
land, and announced the appointment of General Sloughter as 
govei'nor ; also that he was on his way to assume the government. 
Captain Ingoldsby at once demanded i:)ossession of the fort from 
Governor Leisler. The acting governor refused to surrender pos- 
session on the ground that he did not produce any order from the 
king or the governor. Leisler properly demanded better authority 
or credentials than his mere word. Ingoldsby, imperious by 
nature, taught to look upon the colonists as inferiors, and accus- 
tomed as a military officer to order and be obeyed, was incensed at 



HISTORY OP kingsto:n". 89 

vSiicli refusal. Tlie enemies of Leisler also were not idle, and tliey 
iised every effort in their power to fan and stir the glowing embers. 
The justices of Long Island were called upon to aid the captain in 
storming and taking the fort. 

Leisler, however, retained possession until the arrival of Gov- 
ernor Sloughter on the 19th of ]\Iarcli. Unfortunately for Leisler, 
his opponents got the governor's ear, and things were so managed 
that Leisler and Milborne, his son-in-law. were arrested and thrown 
into prison, shortly afterward were brought before a court illegally 
organized for the purpose, and whose authority they denied by 
refusing to answer or plead or interpose a defence. They were 
convicted of high treason without trial. 

Governor Sloughter hesitated about signing the death-warrants, 
wishing to refer the matter to the home government ; but it is 
said his signatures were procured at the close of a feast, when the 
governor was overpowered with wine ; and the men were executed 
before he recovered from his debauch sufficiently to realize what 
he had done. Whether the men were technically guilty of treason 
or not, their execution was politically a great mistake for the 
quiet of the province. Eventually it divided the colony into two 
bitterly hostile parties. The conviction was afterward reversed by 
the House of Lords, and the property restored to the heirs ; but 
the execution could not be recalled ; the men had been sent to the 
bourn whence there is no return. 

The commission and instructions issued by their ^Majesties, 
AVilliam and Mary, to Governor Sloughter, were dated in Novem- 
ber, 1689. The commission, besides delegating to him the usual 
powers of governor, and designating the i^articular men to compose 
his council, declared, ' ' And we do hereby give and grant unto you 
full power and authority, with the advice and consent of our said 
council, from time to time ' as needs shall require, to summon and 
call general assemblies of the inhabitants, being Freeholders within 
your Government, according to the usage of our plantations in 
America. . . . 

" And our will and pleasure is, that the persons thereupon duly 
elected, by the major part of the freeholders of the respective 
counties and places, and so returned, and having, before their sit- 
tings, taken the oath appointed by act of Parliament, . . . shall 
be called and held to be the general assembly of that one Province, 
and the Territories thereunto belonging. 

' ' And that you, the said Henry Sloughter, by and ^^-ith the 
consent of our said Council and Assembly, or the major part of 
them respectively, have full power and authority to make, consti- 
tute and ordain laws, statutes and ordinances, for the public peace, 
welfare and good government of our said Province, and of the 



90 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

People and inhabitants thereof, and such others as shall resort 
thereto, and for the benefit of ns our heirs and successors. . . . 
Which said laws, statutes and ordinances are to be (as near as may 
be) agreable unto the Laws and Statutes of this our Kingdom of 
England." 

The statutes were reqnii-ed to be transmitted within three 
months after their passage to England, subject to disallowance by 
their Majesties. The commission clothed the governor with the 
veto power, and also the right to adjourn, prorogue, and dissolve 
the assemblies. 

It will here be noticed that there was again — and this time by 
the British crown — conferred upon the colony the important priv- 
ilege of a voice in legislation. The hopes in that behalf, there- 
fore, which the Dutch colonists had entertained in reference to 
King William, were not disappointed. Neither was this intended 
to be an idle grant, for the governor-general, without delay, issued 
the necessary writs for the election in the several counties of dele- 
gates to an assembly to meet in the city of New York on the 9th 
of April, 1691. 

The assembly met on the appointed day. The delegates from 
Ulster and Dutchess were Henrj^ Beekman and Thomas Garton. 
This was the first assembly held under the direct authority of the 
British crown, and the first whose acts are recognized and pub- 
lished in the books of colonial statutes. 

After organization, having elected James Graham as Speaker, 
the assembly, in connection with the governor and council, adopted 
and forwarded to England a loyal address to their Majesties, the 
king and queen. 

One of the earliest laws passed by them was declaratory of the 
rights and privileges of the people. It declared the legislative 
power to be vested in the governor, council, and general assembly. 
The governor and council to be appointed by the crown. Dele- 
gates to the general assembly to be elected by the freeholdei's and 
freemen in any coi-poration. To constitute a freeholder, it was 
necessary to have forty shillings per annum in freehold. The act 
apportioned twenty-one representatives among the counties, allot- 
ting two to Ulster. 

As to the manner of enacting laws, it declared that " all biUs, 
agreed upon by a major part of the Representatives, should be 
l^resented to the Governor and Council for approval, and when 
approved by them, should be accounted the law of the Province 
until disallowed by the Crown." 

The act, in its further provisions, was very full and explicit in 
setting forth the rights of the people, the right of trial by jury, 
and the rights of property ; and that no tax was to be levied ex- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 91 

cept by authority of the governor and council and the assembly ; 
and it also guaranteed full protection and freedom in religion. 

A law was also passed establishing courts of justice in the sev- 
eral cities, counties, and towns in the province, to continue in force 
for two years. Under this statute a supreme court was created for 
the province, consisting of a chief -justice and four assistant jus- 
tices, together with an attorney-general. 

County officers, such as sheriffs, county clerks, judges of the 
county courts, and justices of the peace, were to be aj)pointed by 
the governor-general and council. Supervisors, assessors, and 
other to^vn officers were to be annually elected by the freeholders 
of the respective towns. 

Among the early laws passed was one confirming all patents, 
charters, and grants theretofore issued, notwithstanding any exist- 
ing informality. This law was i^assed to terminate various contro- 
versies and disputes which had arisen in regard to some public 
townshij^s and private rights. 

At the second session of the assembly, held in September, 1691, 
an act was passed dividing the province of New York into shires 
and counties. In that act Ulster County is designated as follows : 
" The County of Ulster to contain the towns of Kingston, Hurley 
and Mai'bletown, Fox Hall, and the New Paltz, and all villages, 
neighliorhoods and Christian habitations on the West side of Hud- 
son' s river, from the Murderers Creek, near the Highlands, to the 
Sawyers Creek." 

The county of Albany was described as extending to the Saw- 
yer's Creek on the south, and the county of Orange as extending 
to the Murderer's Creek toward the north. 

Ulster County, as thus constituted, included a very large ten'i- 
tory. Besides its present contents, it covered Delaware and Sulli- 
van counties, and included Newburgh and all the towns in the 
present county of Orange lying west of Newburgh. 

At the first session of the second assembly, and on the 11th of 
November, 1692, an act was passed " for settling of Fairs and 
markets in each respective city and County throughout the Prov- 
ince." In that act it was provided that there should be held and 
kept a public and open market on every Saturday in the weeh at 
Kingston, and also " two fairs yearly for the county of Ulster, the 
first to be kept at Kingston on the third Thursday in March and 
to end on the Saturday then next following, being three days in- 
chisive and no longer. The second fair to begin the second Thurs- 
day in October and to end the Saturday following." 

The statute further declared that ' ' all which Fairs, at the 
times and places aforesaid, in each County respectively, shall be 
holden together with a court of Pypowder, and with all liberties 



92 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

and free customs to such fairs appertaining, or which ought or 
may appertain, according to the usage and customs of fairs holden 
in their majesties reahns of Enghind." The governor or ruler of 
the fair, with power to hold a court of Pypowder, to be commis- 
sioned and aj^pointed by the governor of the province. 

These fairs and markets were institutions common in England, 
and under the English Government no person could claim a fair 
or market except by grant from the king or by prescription, which 
necessarily presumed a grant. These institutions were a great 
convenience in a sparsely settled country ; they afforded the pro- 
ducer a certain time and place for the disposal of his sur^ilus pro- 
ductions, and the consumer a designated time and place for the 
supply of his wants. 

It was incumbent upon the owner and governor of fairs and 
markets to take care that everything was sold according to just 
weight and measure. For that jjurpose it was the duty of the 
clerk of the fair or market to test and mark the weights. 

The owner of the fair or market was entitled to charge as 
"toll" a reasonable sum upon things tollable, or for stallage, 
pickage, or the like. 

Fairs and markets could only be held upon the days and for 
the times specially designated. 

A fair is described by the old English writers as a " solemn or 
greater sort of market." They were county institutions, and only 
l^ermitted to be held annually or biennially, and were intended 
specially for the sale and exchange of real estate, horses, cattle, 
and produce in large quantities ; not excluding, however, articles 
of any character or quantity. 

The Pypowder court referred to in the law was a court in con- 
stant session at fairs, held by the j)erson appointed as governor of 
the fair, to administer justice to buyers and sellers, and for the 
redress of disorders committed in them. Its jurisdiction extended 
only to injuries done in that particular fair, and not to any i)revi- 
ous one. As to such injuries, its jurisdiction was exclusive. In 
reference to transactions and contracts at any such fair, the motto 
was, "If you have any fault to find, speak ?iow ov never. ''^ It is 
said that such court was given its peculiar name because "jus- 
tice was done in it as speedily as dust could fall from the 
foot." 

Another statute passed at one of the early sessions was entitled 
"an act against prof anation of the Lords day, called Sunday." 
It prohibited servile labor, tishing, hunting, travelling, and horse 
racing on the Lord's day, Sunday, under penalty of six shillings 
current money, or, in default of payment, to sit publicly in the 
stocks for three hours ; but if an Indian or negro sln,ve, then the 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIir. 93 

pTinisliment to be thirteen lashes on the bare back. Travel to at- 
tend chnrch was limited to ten miles. 

The several laws j)assed at the several early sessions of the Leg- 
islature, bearing more immediately upon the administration of local 
matters, have been thus collated here, so as to jilace them in a con- 
nected series, and give a better understanding of the general sys- 
tem of government, although passed at different sessions and under 
different executives. 

Under the administration of Governor Sloughter, the colony 
was much annoyed by the French and Indian inroads from Canada. 
In June, 1691, the governor, in order to prevent an exi^ected de- 
scent, and to watch the enemy's motions, litted out an expedition, 
consisting of Christians and Indians, to march to Canada and im- 
prove all opportunities for sur^jrising, annoying, and destroying 
the Canadians and their Indian allies. The expedition set out on 
the 21st of June. The expedition was not as formidalile in num- 
bers as was desired or expected. Some friendly Indians who had 
agreed to join them at certain places on the way failed to make 
their appearance, and besides, on their march, their numl)ers were 
greatly diminished by frequent desertions. On their arrival at 
Ticonderoga, on the 17th of July, the invading force nunibered 
only two hundred and sixty Christians and Indians. Notwith- 
standing the manifest insufficiency of his foi'ce. Major Schuyler 
continued his advance toward Laprairie. The French, being ad- 
vised of his aj)proach, met him on the route with a force consider- 
ably superior in numliers. After a desperate tight the French were 
defeated, but Schuyler learned that a force of French and Indians 
had been throAvn in his rear to intercept his return. He therefore 
concluded to return and fight his way back to his canoes on the 
lake. On his homeward march he met the enemy prepared to 
dispute his progress. The little band fought through the enemy's 
ranks, then faced about and forced the French to retreat. It then 
continued its homeward march, and arrived without further adven- 
ture. • Major Schuyler claimed that in that expedition, with the 
loss of very few men, they had killed about two hundred French 
and Indians. 

While this expedition was out, and on the 2d of July, 1691, 
Governor Sloughter died very suddenly. His administration was 
thus very short, but at the same time troublesome. He was a 
man of very limited talents, and deficient in executive abil- 
ity. 

Upon his decease, under the colonial laws the right of govern- 
ment devolved upon the council, of which Joseph Dudley was the 
president. Notwithstanding this, it was committed to Richard 
Ingoldsby, the captain of an independent company, who assumed 



94 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the administration of the government on the 26th of July, 
1691. 

In September, 1691, a session of the Assembly was held, at which 
the law already referred to, dividing the province into counties, 
was passed. At the same session the Legislature appropriated 
fifteen hundred pounds for the payment of one hundred and 
fifty additional men, to be employed on the frontiers of Albany 
County. 



CHAPTER VII. 

FROM 1692, ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR FLETCHER, TO THE ARRIVAL 
OF WILLIAM BURNET AS GOVERNOR IN 1720. 

IN March, 1692, Colonel Benjamin Fletcher was commissioned as 
Governor of New York, and received instrnctions as snch in the 
usual form. He arrived in New York on the 29th of August, and 
assumed the administration of the government. He found the 
province in a deplorable condition. Thrown entirely upon their 
own resources by the mother country, cursed by the ministry with 
incompetent and dishonest executives, kept in a constant state of 
alarm by not only threatened but actual invasions and attacks 
upon their frontier settlements by the Canadian-French and Ind- 
ians, the colonists were reduced and worn out physically and tinan- 
cially. They were in need of talent and good statesmanship, with 
honesty, in the gubernatorial office, not incumbents sent to mend 
their broken fortunes or make new ones by robbing the people 
and the public treasury. 

The Assemlily convened on the 17th of August. In his address 
to the Assembly Governor Fletcher notified them that to defray 
the debts of the government already contracted, and for the neces- 
sary charges for the defence of Albany for the then ensuing win- 
ter, seventy-live hundred pounds would be requu-ed to be raised 
forthwith, and complained of non-X)ayment by the people of taxes 
already assessed. 

The Assembly, before their adjournment, made provision for 
the raising of two hundred and twenty men to strengthen the gar- 
risons at the frontier posts, and also for eighty men from the 
county of Ulster to go and continue there during the time of the 
greatest danger. 

About the 6th of February, 1693, a body of French and Indians 
surprised a settlement of friendly Mohawk Indians, and took about 
two hundred of them prisoners. As soon as news of this raid 
reached Albany, Colonel Schuyler at once, with two hundred vol- 
unteers, set out in pursuit of the enemy. He was soon re-enforced 
by three hundred Indians, and had several skirmishes with the 
retreating enemy. They succeeded, however, in making good their 
escape by crossing the upper branch of the Hudson upon a cake 



96 HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

of ice, which, as soon as they had crossed, loosened from its moor- 
ings and floated away. 

On the 13th of September, 1692, writs for a new election were 
issned, returnable the 24th of October. Thomas Garton and Jacob 
Rutsen were returned as delegates from the county of Ulster. 

Several bills were passed at this session, among others the one 
establishing fairs and markets, as hereinbefore set forth. They ad- 
journed on the 14th of November to the 20th of March, 1698. 

The Assembly convened again in March, imrsuant to adjourn- 
ment. The governor, in his address at this as well as the previous 
meeting of the Assembly, urged the support of an established min- 
istry. The house, from their attachment to the Dutch language 
and the model of tlie Church of Holland, secured by one of the 
articles of surrender, did not comply with his recommendation. 

At the close of the session he severely rebuked the Assembly 
for not acting upon his recommendation, and on the 27th day of 
July, 1693, dissolved it and ordered a new election, the writs to be 
returnable the 7th of September; 1693. Thomas Garton and Jacob 
Rutsen were re-elected as delegates from Ulster. 

The new Assembly convened in September, and the governor, in 
his opening address, urged uj^on it the establishment of a nunistry 
throughout the colony, the granting of a revenue to the governor 
for life, and the raising of money for the rejiair of the fort at New 
York and for the erection of a chapel. 

In response the Assembly passed a bill establishing a ministry 
in some Church of England x^arishes in four counties, but ignored 
all the other matters. The bill passed was immediately returned 
by the governor and council for amendment. The Assembly re- 
fused to amend. On the 20tli of September he stimmoned the As- 
sembly before him, and on their aj)pearance lectured them severely 
upon their refusal to establish a ministry and to grant a permanent 
revenue for the executive. "Wlien he had finished his speech he 
immediately prorogued the Assembly, and a few days thereafter 
dissolved it and issued writs for a new election. The law went 
into effect, however, without the amendment. 

The war between Governor Fletcher and the Assembly continued 
during his entire term, he proroguing and dissolving only to meet 
Avith similar opposition after new elections. It is a well-estab- 
lished fact that to accomplish his j^urposes he personally inter- 
fered with the freedom of elections, was privy to and countenanced 
gi'eat frauds therein. He was unquestionably one of the most dis- 
honest and avaricious governoi's among the needy adventurers 
foisted upon the colony to mend their fortunes. His i^atronage 
and power was in the market for the highest bidder. 

Among other charges against Governor Fletcher was corrupt 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 97 

interference with legislation. If any act for the benefit of the 
people was desired, it must have its price ; and if the price was 
not paid, they must go without it. New York City for a long 
time enjoyed a monopoly in regard to bolting and shipment of 
Hour, to the great prejudice of Ulster County, which was at that 
time the princij^al grain-raising region in the province. The ijeople 
of Kingston, to break up that monopoly and procure the enact- 
ment of what was called "the Bolting act," had to pay several 
hundred pounds. The individuals, however, who undertook to 
raise the money, being unable or failing to do so, it was " jumbled 
in Avith the public tax," and the governor got his price. 

Diiring the tenn of Governor Fletcher, and on the 11th of 
November, 1692, a law was passed, entitled an act for encoui'aging 
a post-office, under which it is believed the first post-office was 
established in this colony. 

By the official reports of his immediate successors in ofiice, it 
appears that G-overnor Fletcher ' ' liad embezzled and converted 
to his own use great sums of their public money," and that he was 
pecuniarily interested in piratical and smuggling operations on the 
seas. His corruption, of course, tainted the whole himp, so that, 
througli the carelessness and corruption of the officers of the cus- 
toms and revenue, connived at by many of the governor's council 
concerned in the breach of the laws, to their pecuniary i)rofit, the 
revenue had, with a fourfold increase of trade within ten years, 
diminished one half. 

During the latter part of Fletcher's administration the Canadi- 
ans, French, and Indians gave the colonists a respite, in order that 
they might turn their attention to the subjugation of the Indians 
in the vicinity of the lakes. The French undoubtedly had in 
view their favorite plan of connecting Canada with Louisiana by 
a cordon of forts along the Ohio and Mississii:)pi. 

In 1697 the king announced his disapproval and consequent 
repeal of the law passed by the Colonial Assembly in 1691, herein- 
before referred to, declaratory of the rights of the people, thus 
placing himself indirect antagonism to the colonists upon the great 
principle of representation — the colonists claiming that represen- 
tation was an inherent right belonging to the people ; the king 
and his counsellors, on the contrary, that it was a privilege enjoyed 
through the gTace of the crown. That in after years was the great 
question which lay at the foundation of the gi-and revolution, cul- 
minating in the independence of the provinces. 

Richard Coote, Earl of Bellamont, succeeded Fletcher as gov- 
ernor of the province. Although appointed in 1695, he did not 
receive his commission untU 1697. His commission and instruc- 
tions were similar in form to those of his predecessors, but they ex- 
7 



98 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tended his rule over Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well 
as New York. He arrived at New York on the 2d day of April, 
1698, and at once received the surrender of the government. He 
found it, as he represented in his desj^atches to the ministry, in a 
wretched condition, and so were the people throiigh bad govern- 
ment. 

The several administrations of Sloughter, Ingoldsby, and 
Fletcher were distinguished for nothing so much as corrujition 
and maladministration, together with a tendency to excite and en- 
coiirage dissensions, party spirit, and disorder throughout the 
province. They had evidently not been promoted to the execu- 
tive chair on account of any capacity for the position. The Earl 
of Belloniont, on the contrary, was the antipode of his predeces- 
sors in the qualities necessary for good government. His admin- 
istration, though brief and teiminated by an early death, verified 
the opinion expressed of him by the king, that he was " a man of 
resolution and integrity." 

When he assumed the government the people were divided and 
distracted into two parties of the most violent description : one in 
support of and the other condemnatory of the proceedings against 
Leisler and his supporters ; added to which was the persistent and 
continued action of the government to force upon the Dutch Cal- 
vinistic community the support of a Church of England ministry. 
To add to his embarrassments, a majority of the council, his con- 
stitutional advisers, were largely and pecuniarily interested in 
frauds wpon the customs revenue and the ill-gotten gain of jnrates 
roanung over the seas, with licenses in their possession from his 
predecessors in office. 

Immediately after entering upon the office, he issued wiits for 
the election of a new Assembly. When the Assembly convened he 
ascertained that eleven out of the nineteen members owed their 
places to false and fraudulent returns made by the sheriffs. In 
his report to the Board of Trade he stated that one of the great 
difficulties encountered by him was that the sheriffs aj^pointed by 
Fletcher were " of the Scum of the People." The Assembly thus 
organized so conducted itself tliat the governor dissolved it in a 
very short time, and charged the members with having ' ' Sat near 
a month and done nothing, but vilainous tricks to justify the false- 
ness and unfairness of the Sheriffs returns." 

The governor early in his administration turned his attention 
to and accomplished an exchange of prisoners with the Canadians, 
and had a satisfactory and friendly confei-ence with the five nations 
of Indians at Albany. 

Convinced that a large majority of the council were not in ac- 
cord with his views of reform, but had, in fact, connived at and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 99 

participated in gross frauds upon the government, he made a 
sweeping change in the personel of tlie council, and issued writs 
for the election of a new Assembly. He also made changes in the 
shrievalties of several of the counties. 

The Assembly then elected was composed almost entirely of 
Leislerians. They were convened and addressed by the governor 
on the 21st of March, 1699. The representatives from Ulster 
County were Jacob Rutsen and Abraham Hasbrouck. 

Among the laws passed by that Assembly was one for the regu- 
lation and conduct of elections, and for the prevention of fraud 
therein. The law, on examination, will be found to contain many 
very salutary provisions, apparently guarding against fraud as 
effectually as human foresight could well do. It required the elect- 
ors not only to be possessed of a freehold of forty pounds and up- 
ward, but to be actual residents of the district from which they 
were returned. 

He called the special attention of the Legislature to a number 
of extravagant grants of land which had been made by ex-Gov- 
ernor Fletcher to favorites for a mere nominal consideration, as 
tending not only to impede the settlement of the country, but also 
to estrange the Indians occupying a large portion of them, and 
from whom releases were alleged to have been procured through 
fraud and misrepresentation. 

Among those grants was one to Captain John Evans, bearing 
date the 12th day of September, 1694, "containing all that tract and 
parcel of land situate, lying and being upon the west side of Hud- 
son's River, beginning from the south side of the land called the 
False, now inhabited by French men, and extending thence South- 
erly along the said HudsoiC s-Bimr to the land belonging to the 
Indians at the Murder efs Kill, and extending westward to the 
foot of the high hiUs called Pitkiskalcer and Aiaskawasting, and 
thence extending southerly all along the said hills and the river 
called PeakadasanJc, to a water pond lying upon the said hiUs, 
called Mer chary ; comprehending aU those lands, meadows and 
woods caUed Nescotonck, Chaioangen, Memorasink, Kaeogh, 
Getaioan, Annuck, Gillatawogh, and all and every of them ; and 
the same erected into manor and Lordship of the Manor Fletcher- 
don ; To have and to hold the said tract of land and Manor of 
Fletcherdon, with the Appurtenances unto the said John Evans, 
his heirs and assigns forever under the rent reserved of twenty 
shillings, and one fat buck per annum." 

The Legislature accordingly passed a law vacating, breaking, 
and annulling the above, with several other similar extravagant 
grants, which act was approved and went into effect the 12th of 
May, 1699. 



100 HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

Thus are we to thank the beneficent administration of Governor 
Bellomont for the iucalculable benefits showered, by the passage 
of that law, upon that large region of country embracing all Ulster 
County below New Paltz on the east side of the mountain, and a 
very large part of Orange County. When we consider the charac- 
ter of manorial tenures and the custom of the country at that 
time and for many years subsequent by individual owners of 
large tracts of land, there can be no doubt that if there had been 
no repeal those hundreds of square miles would have been brought 
under the scorching and blighting effects of landlordism. 

It was therefore fortunate for that region of country that the 
morning star of Bellomont arose, and although in the ascendent 
for only a brief period, it disijelled the dark shadows, brushed 
away the blighting incubus, and declared the said grant to Evans, 
with certain other like grants, absolutely void, and that they were 
' ' broke vacated and annulled, and their registry should be obliter- 
ated, razed, defaced, and the memory and record of all the afore- 
said grants shall be reduced into oblivion and forgetfulness, as if 
no such grants had ever been made or registered." 

The writer well recollects his visits in early life to "Woodstock 
and Shandaken, in Ulster County, when that region, being part of 
an enonnous grant of several hundred thousand acres, was prin- 
cipally covered by life leases, and where the continuance of the 
tenure of the occupant was dependent upon the uncertainty of 
the continuance of one or three lives named in the lease. Thus at 
any time an epidemic or other calamity might terminate the title 
of a whole neighborhood. One day they were freeholders, the 
next they might not be. All the interest of the inhabitants cen- 
tred in the present, to make the most out of the land they could, 
and with as little expense as possible. Their want of care for and 
interest in the future was shown by their dilapidated houses and 
oat-buildings, their common and temporaiy fences. Paints and 
]iaint brushes were apparently almost unknown in that locality. 
The tenant's interest was in the uncertain continuance of life ; the 
landlord" s, upon reversion in death. The whole face of the country 
told the sad story. 

The inhabitants eventually rebelled against such tenures, and 
the rebellion resulted in their abolition. What a change in that 
country between iJwn and noio ! Thrift and prosx^erity now put 
forth their blooming and smiling faces in every direction ; comfort- 
able, pleasant, and indeed luxiuiaut homes can be seen on every 
hand, tempting the denizen weary of city life to come annually 
for a season to enjoy their comforts. This great change was ac- 
complished, as such radical changes fi'equently are, through the un- 
happy experience of resistance and opi^osition to the laws of the 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 101 

land, and even at times tainted Avith violence. How mncli more 
happy the Bellomont exterminating spade, before the seed had 
been sown or the blighting growth commenced ! 

At that session was also passed a law against Jesiiits and popish 
priests, requiring them to leave the province by the 1st of Novem- 
ber following, under penalty of per^itetual imprisonment, etc. It 
is true this apparently savored of bigotry and persecution, and 
has been so characterized by historians. Before passing such 
judgment, we must consider the exigency of the times, and the 
evil sought to be remedied by the enactment. 

A large proportion of the inhabitants were those, or the imme- 
diate descendants of those, who came hither to escape the Roman 
Catholic persecutions in the Old World. There were no Roman 
Catholics settled among tliem in this province of which we have 
any knowledge. But the Canadian-French, theii' enemies on the 
north, were Roman Catholics of the most bigoted character, and 
they were flooding the remote parts of the province vdih Jesuit 
missionaries among the Indians ; " who," as alleged in the preamble 
of the act, " by their wicked and subtle insinuations, industriously 
labor to debauch, seduce and withdraw the Indians from their diie 
obedience unto his most sacred Majesty, and to excite and stir them 
lip to sedition, rebellion and open hostility against his Majesty's 
government ; for prevention whereof be it enacted," etc. It was, 
therefore, an act of self-protection. They had learned to dread 
the hostile warwhooji, and guard against the savage massacre. 
Bigotry and persecution fonned no part of the foundation j)lank. 
In modern times, as well as ancient, death Avas recognized as the 
appropriate j)unishment for sedition and treason ; here it was only 
imprisonment. 

Governor Bellomont died suddenly on the 6th of March, 1701, 
while the Assembly was in session. At the time of his death John 
Nanfan, the lieutenant-governor, was in Barbadoes. This gave 
the anti-Leislerians an opportunity to throw things into confusion 
by raising a contest as to what official was entitled to assume the 
reins of government. This controversy lasted and was unsettled 
until the first Monday of June, the Assembly adjourning from day 
to day, but transacting no business. By that time Lieutenant- 
Governor Nanfan had arrived and tenninated the controversy. 

Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan immediately on his arrival as- 
sumed the duties of his office, and very soon thereafter dissolved 
the Assembly and issued wTits for a new election. At that election 
there was a very bitter contest, and a great struggle for the ascend- 
ency between the Leislerians and their opponents. The country 
was now reaping, in all its bitterness, the evil but inevitable result 
of the unfortunate condemnation and execution of Governor Leisler 



102 niSTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

and his secretary, Milborne, by liis hot-lieadecl opponents. In 
the contest the Leislerians i^revailed. The delegates from Ulster 
were Jacob Rutsen and Adrien Gen-etson. 

The newly-elected Assembly convened on the 19th of Aiigust, 
1701. Tlie contention was earned into the house, and Governor 
Nanfan excluded two of the returned members, Nichols and Wes- 
sels, on the ground of non-residence. That led to the secession of 
seven others. 

It was the custom in the county of Ulster at that time to sur- 
round large quantities of contiguous cultivated land uith an out- 
side fence, which they called a circular fence, thus saving all inter- 
mediate fences. Many of those owning and cultivating lands in 
the central parts of the tract, although enjoying the benefit thereof, 
refused to contribute toward the expense of its construction or 
maintenance. The Assembly being applied to for a remedy, on tlie 
18th of October, 1701, jjassed a law requiring the owners of land in 
Ulster County within any such circular fence to pay their respec- 
tive proportions of the cost thereof, and if they refused, the law 
provided for an assessment by a justice of the peace, and process 
for the enforcement of its collection. 

The Assembly about the same time passed another law making 
further provisions to secure regularity in elections, and appended 
a section thereto by which they provided ' ' that to prevent all 
disputes relating to the Freeholders in Dutchess County, about the 
election of Representatives, the said county be and is hereby de- 
clared to be annexed to the county of Ulster, for the term of seven 
years, next after this present session ; and that the Freeholders of 
Dutchess County, qualified by law, shall and ai-e hereby empow- 
ered to give their votes for Representatives in the county of Ulster, 
as if they actually lived in the said county." 

Upon an appeal to the British Parliament by the heirs of Gov- 
ernor Leisler and Milborne, as has been before stated, the con- 
viction, judgment, and attainder passed by Slough ter's court 
against them was reversed. The Assembly, therefore, in pursuance 
of the recommendation of Lord Jersey, Secretary of State, ordered 
money to be raised and other measures taken to restore to the 
family of the executed Governor Leisler the i-ights of wliich they 
had been dejirived by the vacated attainder and judgment. 

During the administration of Governor Nanfan a rumor ob- 
tained cuiTency ia the colony that Lord Cornbury had been ap- 
pointed governor of the province. This rumor created gi'eat re- 
joicing among the anti-Leislerians, and led them to send communi- 
cations to England, addressed to the king and to the prosjiective 
governor and others, highly condemnatory of the administration 
in the province and the party sustaining it. The discovery thereof 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 103 

by Govemor Nanfan led to tlie arrest and imprisonment of a 
number of the actors, also the trial and conviction of some for 
high misdemeanors and treason ; fortunately there were no ex- 
ecutions. 

The offensive letters referred to were written by Nicholas 
Bayard. In the one addressed to the king, he said ' ' that the 
late differences were not grounded in a regard to his interest ; but 
the corrupt designs of those who laid hold of an opportunity to 
enrich themselves by the spoils of their neighbors." The petition 
to Parliament stated that ' ' Leisler and his adherents gained the 
Fort at the revolution without any opposition ; that he oppressed 
and imprisoned the People without cause, phmdered them of their 
goods, and compelled them to flee their country, though they were 
well affected to the Prince of Orange. That the Earl of Bellomont 
appointed indigent sheriffs, who returned such members to the As- 
sembly as were unduly elected, and in his Lordship's esteem. That 
he suspended many from the Board of Council who were faithful 
servants to the Ci'own, introducing his own tools in their stead." 
They also denied the authority of the late Assembly, and added 
" that the house had bribed both the Lieutenant Governor and the 
Chief Justice ; the one to pass bills, and tlie other to defend the 
legality of their proceedings." The next day after their arrest 
Bayard, Vandam, French, and Wenham sent an impertinent com- 
munication to the lieutenant-governor, in which they boldly justi- 
fied the legality of their address, and demanded to be released from 
imprisonment. Unfortunately for them, however, in 1691 Bayard, 
in order to carry out his programme against Leisler, had procured 
the passage of a law by which it was declared that " whatsoever 
person or persons shall, by any manner of ways, or upon any pre- 
tence whatever, endeavor by force of arms or otherwise, to disturb 
the peace, good and quiet of their Majesties' government, as it is 
now established, shall be deemed and esteemed as rebels and trai- 
tors unto their Majesties, and incur the pains, penalties and for- 
feitures as the laws of England bear for such offences, made and 
provided." Thus was Bayard to be caught in a trap of his own 
creation. It was under the provisions of that law that Bayard 
was subsequently tried, convicted, and condemned as a traitor. 

Edward, Viscount Cornbury, was appointed Governor of New 
York, and after his arrival on the 3d day of May, 1702, he entered 
upon the duties of his office, and at once dissolved the Assembly, 
and declared that a new one should be called as soon as possible. 
Under a call made shortly thereafter, Henry Beekman and Thomas 
Garton were sent as delegates from Ulster County. 

Lord Cornbury was commissioned as Governor of New York by 
King WiUiam, to supersede Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan, not on 



104 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

account of any merit or ability, bnt simply in gratitude for his early 
desertion of the army of King James for the Prince of Orange. He 
was, at the time of his appointment, a poverty-stricken nobleman, 
hnnted out of England by a host of hungry creditors. Naturally 
prodigal and avaricious, he came to prey, by both fair means and 
f onl, npon the purses of an impoverished and overburdened people. 
After the death of King William his apjiointment was confirmed 
by Queen Anne, and he was, at the same time, appointed to the 
command of New Jersey. 

The history of his government is nothing but a continued con- 
troversy between himself and the Assembly for money, and the op- 
pression and prosecution of dissenting ministers. His conduct was 
such as soon to alienate all parties from him, and the protest 
against his government was so great that Queen Anne, in 1708, Avas 
compelled to supersede him, Avith the declaration that she would 
not countenance her nearest relative in oppressing her people. 

On the 19th of June, 1708, a law was passed, which was con- 
firmed by Queen Anne in 1708, declaring the proceedings against 
Nicholas Bayard and Alderman John Hutchins, for high treason, 
illegal, and reversing and making null and void the judgments and 
all i:)roceedings against them. 

On the same day a law was passed entitled " an act for the lay- 
ing out regulating, clearing and preserving public Common High- 
ways throughout this Colony." 

That law, among other things, directed that a road should be laid 
out from the south bounds of Orange County (which was then 
New Jersey) through Ulster County to Albany, and also directed 
the laying out of roads from one town to another throiighout the 
province, to connect with the common and general roads, and to 
convenient landing places. 

The road laid out under that law from New Jersey to Albany 
was formerly generally called the King's Highway, and with very 
few changes is now the main direct road from Goshen, passing 
through Shawangunk, New Paltz, Eosendale, to Kingston, thence 
north through Foxhall and Pine Bush to the old fording place 
across the Esopus Creek, thence on the west side of said creek 
continued forward northerly to Albany. 

The commissioners designated by law to lay out the roads in 
Ulster County were John Cock, Jacob Aertsen, and Abraham 
Hasbrouck. 

Where this highway crossed the sawkill, the road to the north- 
western part of the county diverged therefrom to the left. 

Lord Combury, in his zeal to foist the Church of England and 
its clergy upon the colonies, sent one of the English ministry, Rev. 
Mr. Hepburn, to supply the vacancy then existing in the Dutch 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 105 

Reformed Churcli at Kingston. His reception is outlined in tlie 
following report from Rev. AYilliam Vesey, rector of New York, 
to the clergy convened at New York in October, 1704. 

" Ulster County Commonly called Esopus. In this county the 
greatest number of People are Dutch, who about twelve years sent 
to Classis of Amsterdam for a minister ; Mr Neucella, being lately 
called home, left them destitute of any person to officiate among 
them, which his Excellency was pleased to take under considera- 
tion and has aj^pointed the Rev Mr Hepburn to preach and to read 
Divine service to them. "W hereby the English, who never had a 
minister among them, have the benefit of public worship, and are 
in good hopes of bringing the Dutch to a conformity. The Rev 
Mr Hepburn has, at present, small encouragement from the Peo- 
ple ; but Chiefly under God depends on the Kindness and bounty 
of his Excellency, the Governor of this Province." 

The governor had previous to this, on the 30th of August, sent, 
through his secretary, a communication directed to " The Gentle- 
men at Esopus," in which it was stated that " Mr Hepburn, who 
is a minister of the established Church of England, and sent by 
his Excellency to administer the Gospel to you, in this vacancy, 
ought I think, at least, to be provided for as well as a dissenting 
minister to the Church, who is only tolerated to exercise the unes- 
tablished religion he professes ; but it seems you have not been of 
that opinion, or if you have you have not paid obedience to his 
Excellency's command, and that regard to this gentleman's char- 
acter as was due. This apj)ears plainly from the mean accomoda- 
tions you have provided." The letter proceeded with a peremp- 
tory order to make better provision for him, etc. 

The governor failed to convince the Dutch Calvinists of Kings- 
ton that it was their duty to support a clergyman of another faith 
under his orders, and his protege soon left for want of supi^ort. 

In the spring of 1708 Lord John Lovelace, Baron of Hurley, 
was commissioned as governor, with the usual instructions, but did 
not arrive at New York until the 16th of December following. 
Soon after his arrival, and on the 5th of January, 1709, he dis- 
solved the Assembly, and issued writs for a new election, return- 
able on the 10th of March, 1709. The delegates returned from 
Ulster County were Henry Beekman and Thomas Garton. William 
Nichol was elected Speaker. 

The Assembly had barely begun the business of the session 
when Lord Lovelace died very suddenly, and the government again 
devolved upon Richard Ingoldsby as lieutenant-governor. 

Ingoldsby addressed the Assembly, and urged them to carry out 
the recommendations of the former governor. 

England was then at war with France, and the queen and her 



106 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

council clesii'ed an expedition to be fitted out by tlie colonies against 
the Canadas. The i^rogTamme was for England to send a large 
force, with some vessels of war, direct to Quebec, New York and 
the New England colonies to send a force by land to co-operate 
with the fleet. Tlie colonies very willingly concurred in the proj- 
ect. New York issued bills of credit, payable in five years, to 
defray their proportion of the necessary expenses. The biUs were 
drawn in amounts suitable for use as a circulating medium, and 
were the first bills of credit issued on this side of the water. The 
quota of New York, consisting of four hundred and eighty-seven 
men, was speedily raised and sent forward, accompanied by some 
friendly Indians. They marched to Wood Creek, at the head of 
Lake Champlain, and there awaited notice of the arrival of the 
English contingent at Quebec. They waited there a long time, 
ready for an immediate advance. While there a very severe and 
fatal epidemic broke out among them, and their numbers were 
rapidly thinned by the great destroyer. 

England failed to keep faith with the colonies. Instead of 
sending the fleet and forces, as promised, to Quebec, the ministry 
ordered them elsewhere. The forces of the colonies were left to 
return home, decimated by disease and disheartened, without hav- 
ing seen an enemy. The colonial forces were under the command 
of Francis Nicholson. The useless expedition cost New York 
twenty thoiisand pounds. 

Colonel Schuyler, commandant at Albany, and one of the gov- 
ernor s council, fully appreciating the importance of the conquest 
of Canada to England, as weU as the colonies, determined to go to 
England and impress it upon the ministiy. He concluded to take 
four Indian chiefs with him. The New York Assembly, upon 
being informed of his intention, adopted the following resolu- 
tion : 

" Eesolved, that the humble address of the Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor, council and general assembly of this Colony to the Queen, 
representing the present state of this plantation, be committed 
to his charge and care, to be presented by himself to her sacred 
Majesty ; he being a person who not only in the war, when he com- 
manded the forces of this Colony in chief at Canada, but also in 
the present, has performed faithful service to this and the neigh- 
bouring Colonies ; and behaved himself in the offices, with Avhich 
he has been entrusted with good reputation, and the general satis- 
faction of the People in these parts.' ' 

The ari'ival of Schuyler with the Indians at the British court 
created quite an excitement. While they were there Captain 
Ingoldsby was removed, and Gerardus Beeckman, as senior council- 
man, exercised the powers of government from April 10th, 1710, 



HISTORT OF KITfGSTON. 107 

until the arrival of Brigadier-General Robert Hunter, who was 
commissioned as governor on the 14th of June following. 

Nothing important occurred in the short interregnum during 
which Beeckman held the governmental reins. Governor Hunter, 
soon after liis arrival, dissolved the Assembly, and issued writs for 
a new election returnable the 1st of September, 1710. The mem- 
liers retnrned from Ulster County were the same as last, Henry 
Beekman and Tliomas Garton. The Assembly convened in Sep- 
tember, and were addressed by the governor. 

The colony having suffered very much under former administra- 
tions through misappropriations of the public funds, the Assembly 
were determined to prohibit the treasurer from the payment of any 
money lapon the warrant of the governor, except in pursiiance of 
an express appropriation made by law. On the 25th of October a 
lull of that character was favorably acted upon by the Assembly, 
which also made provision for the payment of the governor' s salary 
for a single year. The governor having noticed their proceedings, 
summoned the Assembly before him on the 28th of October, called 
their attention to their action, and informed them that by his in- 
structions from the queen he was directed to take to himself twelve 
hundred pounds sterling annually out of the revenues for his sal- 
ary, and called upon the Assembly to reconsider and make the law 
confonn to the queen's instructions. The Assembly adhered to its 
position. The council, upon the bill coming before it, proposed to 
amend ; the Assembly refused to concur, and the governor then 
l^rorogued them on the 25th of November. 

The governor, during the recess, conferred with the ministry at 
home. The ministry sustained him in his views. At the opening 
of the session of the Assembly in the spring of 1711, he commenced 
his address to them as follows : 

" Gentlemen You are now come with a disposition to answer 
the ends of your meeting, that is, to provide a suitable support 
for her Majesty's Government here, in the manner she has been 
pleased to du'ect." After some further remarks, he added : " It 
is necessary, at this time, that you be told, that giving money for 
the support of government, and disposing of it at your pleasure, is 
the same as gwug none at all." 

The Assembly passed a money bill again, giving specific direc- 
tions for the disposition of the money. The council amended, the 
house denied their right to amend, and the biU was defeated. 

On the 30th of October, 1710, an act was passed for " the better 
settlement and assurance of lands in this Colony." By this law, 
which was an action of repose, it was declared that the possession 
of any lands from the 30th of October, 1700, to the 1st of Septem- 
ber, 1713, without any opposing claim by actual entrj' or suit 



108 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

brought, slioiilcl be deemed a good title. It also provided that 
transcripts of deeds recorded in the Secretary of State's office 
should be good evidence. 

In that year another expedition against Canada was projected 
by the ministry, and by their direction a conference was held in 
regard thereto by all the colonial governors from New Jersey to 
Massachusetts, inclusive. By the arrangement made, New Jersey, 
New York, and Connecticut were to furnish four thousand troops, 
to proceed by land, to support and assist a large naval and land 
force to be sent from England. To sustain their proportion of the 
expenses, the Assembly of New York created a debt of ten thou- 
sand pounds by the issue of treasury bills to be redeemed by taxa- 
tion in five years. 

This expedition was equally unfortunate with the others. The 
English forces amved, but through mismanagement and a heavy 
fog five of their transports were wrecked in the river, and the 
eight hundred troops on board lost. This so discouraged the officer 
in command that the fleet was at once turned about and returned 
home. The colonial troops also, hearing of the disaster and de- 
jiarture of the English forces, returned home and were disbanded. 

The public debt having been greatly increased by these unfortu- 
nate expeditions, the passage of some appropriation bills became 
nrgently necessary. The action of the Assembly, in the prepara- 
tion of the bills for governmental support, led to a bitter contro- 
versy between the two legislative branches. The council insisted 
upon their right to amend the money bills, that they were a part 
of the Legislature, constituted, as the Assembly were, " by the grace 
of the Crown." The house adhered to their position, and answered 
thus : "It is true, the share the council liave (if any) in the legis- 
lation, does not flow from any title they have from the nature of 
that board, which is only to advise ; or from their being another 
distinct state, or rank of People in the constitution, which they 
are not, being all commons ; but only from the mere pleasure of 
the prince, signified in the commission. On the contrary, the in- 
Iterent rigid., the Assembly have, to dispose of the money of the 
freemen of this Colony, does not proceed from any Commission, 
letters patent or other grant from the Crown ; but frovi the free 
choice and election of the People., who ought not to be divested of 
their property (nor justly can be), without their consent. Any 
former condescensions, of other assemblies, will not prescribe to 
the Council a privilege to make any of these amendments, and 
therefore they have it not." And they further alleged that the 
opinions of her Majesty and her ministers could not conclude them. 
Thus we see the fundamental principle in regard to taxation and 
representation plainly set forth and adhered to by the representa- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 109 

tives of the people. They were men of the true stamp, and not 
l^uppets in the control of royalty. 

Notwithstanding, the colony was for a time much disturbed 
by fears of inroads hj the French and Indians, as well as of an at- 
tack by sea ux^on the city of New York ; and money was greatly 
needed, both houses adhered firmly to their respective opinions, 
and would not yield or compromise. Thus the public debts re^ 
mained unj^aid. The apprehension of a hostile attack or invasion, 
however, was soon removed by the treaty of peace between France 
and England in 1713. 

Another controverted point was raised during the administra- 
tion of Grovernor Hunter between the council and the Assembly. 
The governor created a Court of Chancery, and appointed all the 
officers necessary for its organization and conduct without the 
consent of the Assembly, but with the concurrence of the council. 
The Assembly jjrotested, and urged that as the king could not cre- 
ate such a court without the consent of Parliament, the governor 
could not without the consent of the Assembly. But on appeal 
taken to the government in England, the Assembly was overruled 
and the creation and legality of the court sustained. 

In the summer of the year 1714 a long session of the Assembly 
was held, devoted almost exclusively to matters connected with 
the public debt, or rather, as showTi by the preaml)le of the enact- 
ment, " to ijrovide for the payment of legal warrants, issued by 
former governors, with the consent of the Council of the Colony, 
upon the Collector and Receiver General for the time being, pay- 
able out of funds raised from time to time for the suiiport of the 
Government, and which warrants remained unpaid by reason of 
the misapplication and extravagant expenditui-e of such funds by 
some of the former Governors, contrary to the true intent and ob- 
ject for which they had been raised." The amount thus required 
to make good the malfeasance of some of the former governors was 
twenty-seven thousand six hundred and eighty pounds. Recourse 
for the settlement of such warrants was had to the issue of bills of 
credit for the full amount. They were to be signed by commis- 
sioners specially named in the act for that purpose, and could only 
be issued by the treasurer in strict conformity to the stringent pro- 
visions of the act. The act contained provisions tending to guard 
against future misaj)propriations. 

The news of the death of Queen Anne was received in the fall, 
and a dissolution of the Assembly of course ensued. 

AYrits were issued for election of delegates to a new Assembly, 
returnable May 3d, 1715. Tlie delegates elected from Ulster 
County were Henry Beekman and Jacob Rutsen. 

The house met on the 3d of May, 1715, and were addressed by 



110 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the governor as usual. They passed several laws, among others 
one authorizing the repair of the county house and prison in Ulster 
Coimty. The newly-elected house did not accord mth the views 
of the governor in respect to the powers of the different branches 
of the Legislature, and they were prorogued on the 21st of July, 
1715. 

In August Governor Hunter received a new commission from 
George I., which of course suj)erseded that of Queen Anne. He 
was therefore advised by the attorney- general that the Assembly 
was thereby dissolved. He then formally declared the Assembly 
dissolved. Writs for a new election were not issued until 1716, re- 
turnable June 5th. On that day the new Assembly met. The dele- 
gates from Ulster were Jacob Rutsen and Abraham Gaasbeek 
Chambers. A majority j)roved to be in harmony with the gov- 
ernor, and during the remainder of his administration there were 
no further radical differences between the executive and Assembly. 

On the 24th of June, 1719, Governor Hunter announced his in- 
tention to go to Europe, to settle up some of his private matters 
and recruit his health. On the 21st of July, 1719, he set sail for 
Eui'ope, and the chief command devolved on Peter Schuyler, who 
was the oldest member of the council. During his shoi't adminis- 
tration there was no session of the Assembly, and nothing of special 
interest occurred to be noted except that he made a treaty with 
the Indians at Albany, confirming the ancient league. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

FROM 1720, THE ARRIVAL OF WILLIAM BURNET AS GOVERNOR, 
TO 1753, THE ARRIVAL OF SIR DANVERS OSBORNE. 

'TTylLLIAM BURNET, having been duly commissioned by the 
VV king as Governor of New York and New Jersey, arrived 
and took charge of the affairs of the x^rovince on the 17th of Sep- 
tember, 1720. 

The preceding English governors had all been military men, 
and most of them well understood and gave practical proof of their 
knowledge how to govern for the promotion of their own interest 
and the enlargement of their private purse. Governor Burnet was 
a civilian, and governed satisfactorily to the people and with disin- 
terestedness. He early saw the importance of diverting the Ind- 
ian trade from Canada, and for that purpose established a trading 
post at Oswego. This, of course, was opposed by those who were 
pecuniarily interested in the circuitous trade through Montreal. 
The Legislature sustained the governor, and passed the necessary 
enactment. The English merchants who furnished the goods and 
the Albany traders who sold to the I'rench, finding that their 
lucrative operations would be seriously interfered with, organized 
a powerful and bitter opposition. So long as it filled their pockets, 
they cared not what advantages the French, the enemies of their 
country, derived thereby in their influence over the Indians. It 
was a striking exhibit of the selfishness of human nature. They 
carried their opposition, with the grossest misrepresentations, to 
the throne for the repeal of the law. It was only through the most 
vigorous action of the friends, and a plain representation of facts, 
that they were defeated, and the trading house at Oswego estab- 
lished and properly officered. 

In that year, 1722, a congress of governors from the different 
provinces met at Albany to confirm treaties and transact some 
other business with the Indian tribes. It was composed of gov- 
ernors of the provinces, some attending in person, others repre- 
sented by duly authorized commissioners. It was the second 
American congress, and, as has been said, ' ' had its effect in leading 
to those Provincial and general congresses by which our Inde- 
pendence was achieved." It led the way, and taught the impor- 



112 ' HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tance of unity of action. This congress at Albany secured the 
friendship of the Iroquois, and the treaties with that people were 
renewed and confirmed. 

The wisdom and beneficial effects of those treaties, and of the 
direct trade with the Indians at Oswego, became very soon tri- 
umphantly apparent. But the bitter hostility of those whose pecu- 
niary profits were injuriously affected thereby was continued, and 
unremittingly operated against the governor. Finally, in 1727, the 
opposition against the governor prevailed in the Assembly, and 
it was dissolved. About that time Governor Burnet was trans- 
ferred by the British Government to Massachusetts, and api^ointed 
its governor. 

John Montgomerie succeeded Governor Burnet in the execu- 
tive chair, having been commissioned as Governor and Chancellor 
of New York by King George II. Montgomerie arrived in New 
York, and assumed his gubernatorial duties on the 15th of April, 
1728. During his administration, which was very short, he died, 
on the 1st of July, 1731. Nothing of special importance occurred, 
except that the mercantile interest opposed to direct ti'ade with 
the Indians, aided by French infiuence in the British court, secured 
the repeal of the Burnet law, under which it had been established. 
Thus was the interest of the public sacrificed and made to succumb 
to the pecuniary interest and miserly demand of a few traders, and 
to the advancement of French interests. 

B-ip van Dam, then the oldest member of the council, suc- 
ceeded to the governorship, and administered the affairs of the 
province until the arrival of the new governor*. 

William Cosby, a colonel by title, and in search of a fortune, 
received the usual commission as governor, but did not arrive irntil 
the 1st of August, 1782, when he immediately assumed the reins of 
government. The Assembly were in session at the time, and soon 
after granted a revenue to support the government for six years, 
including a salary to the governor of fifteen hundred and sixty 
j)ounds, with some emoluments. Cosby very soon after gave an in- 
dex to his character. When informed by Mr. Morris, a member of 
the Asseml)ly, that it had granted to him a gratuity of seven hun- 
dred and fifty pounds, his contemptuous exclamation in reply was, 
" Damn them ; why did they not add shillings and pence !" 

On the 14th of October, 1732, a law was passed authorizing the 
justices of the peace of the county of Ulster to buUd a court-house 
and jail for the county, and disjiose of the old one. 

Very soon after the commencement of his term the governor 
had a controversy with his j)redecessor, Van Dam, in regard to the 
division of the salary. That controversy culminated in the trial of 
a libel suit in 1735, the j^roceedings and result of which that dis- 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON". IIB 

tinguislied patriot, Goiiverneur Morris, in after years declared to 
have been " the genn of American freedom, the morning star of 
that liberty which subsequently revolutionized America." Such 
being its effect, it cannot be considered a digression to give a brief 
narration thereof. 

The king gave Cosby before he left England an order for an 
equal partition between himself and Van Dam of the salary, emol- 
uments, and perquisites of the office during the time Van Dam 
administered the government. 

Under that order Cosby demanded that Van Dam should pay 
one half the salary he had received, £1975 7*. lOd. Van Dam con- 
tended that the order included " emoluments and perqixisites," and 
as Cosby had received, in "emoluments and perquisites," £6407 
18s. lOfZ., the division made, if any, must include the whole, accord- 
ing to the king's order. That would give a balance of twenty -four 
hundred pounds to be paid by Cosby to Van Dam. Van Dam was 
willing to let it stand as it was — each keep what he had. 

The governor brought suit against Van Dam in the exchequer. 
Chief-Justice Morris and second and third Judges Delancey and 
Phillipse formed the court. The two latter were the governor's 
most intimate friends. Two of the most eminent lawyers in the 
colony, William Smith and James Alexander, appeared as counsel 
for Van Dam. They excepted to the Jurisdiction of the court. 
Chief -Justice Morris supported the exceptions, but Delancey and 
Phillipse overruled the plea. Governor Cosby then removed Jus- 
tice Morris from office, and appointed Delancey chief -justice in his 
place, without consulting or advising with his council. He subse- 
quently, at a meeting of the council, when no quorum was in at- 
tendance, presented the names of James Delancey as chief-justice 
and Phillipse as second judge. 

Party feeling now became terribly bitter. The democratic, or 
popular branch, sided with Van Dam ; the aristocratic, with the 
governor, who was also still supported by a majority in the As- 
sembly. There were at that time two newspapers published in 
New York — one by Bradford, the public printer, a weekly issue, 
and the mouthpiece of the governor. The other was also a weekly 
paper, published by John Peter Zenger, who supported the oppo- 
sition. 

Zenger, in one of his issues, charged Mr. Harrison, one of the 
governor's council, with an effort to blackmail Mr. Alexander by a 
threatening letter against himself and family unless money \\-as 
deposited in a specified place for the waiter. The paper was 
brought before the gi-and jury ; they ignored the complaint. This 
being followed by the discovery of other malpractices of Harrison, 
he left the country. 
8 



114 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Zenger continued his attacks upon the government without ces- 
sation, and in almost every form. He made serious charges, and 
printed home trutlis mingled with squibs and ballads. Governor 
Cosby and his council became desperate.. Aided by Chief-Justice 
Delancey, they attempted in vain to get Zenger indicted. The 
grand jury ignored aU their complaints. They presented the 
papers to the Assembly ; it ordered them to lie on the table. 

On the 2d of November the council ordered the offensive papers 
to be burned l>y the common hangman or whipper, and that the 
mayor and magistrates of the city attend to such burning. When 
the sheriff presented the order at the quarter sessions, and moved 
for the compliance of the magistj'ates, the coui*t would not suffer 
the order to be entered ; the magistrates protested against it as 
arbitrary and illegal, and ordered the whipper not to obey. The 
burning was eventually done by a negro slave of the sheriff, and 
was attended by the sheriff, the recorder, and a few dependents 
uj)on the governor. 

Failing to procure an indictment against Zenger, they proceeded 
against him by information, and had him lodged in prison. That 
proceeding was one of the relics of despotism. It was an accusa- 
tion or complaint exhibited against a person for some criminal 
offence. It differed from an indictment in this : an indictment was 
an accusation found by the oath of twelve men upon the testimony 
of witnesses examined under oath ; an information was the simple 
allegation of the officer who exhibited it. 

In 1735, at the April term of the court, Messrs. Alexander and 
Smith, as counsel for Zenger, filed exceptions to the commission of 
the Judges Delancey and Phillipse on the following grounds : (1) 
To the term, which was at will and pleasure ; (2) to the investi- 
ture ; (3) to the fonn ; and (4) to the want of evidence that the 
council concurred with the governor in their appointment. 

The judges repelled the attack, and the chief -justice, addressing 
the counsel, said : ' ' You have brought matters to this pass, that 
we must either go from the bench or you from the bar ;' ' and the 
counsel were silenced and disbaiTed. 

The court organized by the governor, with his bosom friends on 
the bench and the selected counsel for the prisoner silenced and 
turned out of the bar, was ready to proceed with the trial, and 
designated Mr. Chambers, as counsel, to manage the defence. He, 
preparatory to the trial, demanded a struck jury, and it was 
ordered, and caused necessarily a short postponement. 

When the trial was moved on and the jury sworn, Mr. Hamil- 
ton, a distinguished counsellor from Philadelphia, unexpectedly 
to the court and prosecution entered the court-room, and appeared 
as counsel for the defence. 



IIISTORT OF KINGSTON. 115 

At the commencement of the trial Mr. Hamilton admitted the 
printing and publication. The attorney-general demanded that 
the jury must then render a verdict of guilty. Hamilton alleged 
that the charges were true, and therefore no libel. He ridiculed 
the position assumed by the judges, that a libel was " the more 
dangerous for being true." In his discussion of the question of 
law with the court, he convinced the jury, before addressing them, 
that the refusal to permit evidence of the truth of the i^ublieation 
added to the tyranny under which the people suffered. Then, 
turning to the jury and addressing them, he recapitulated the pas- 
sages complained of, alleged them to be true, asserted that in crim- 
inal cases the jurors were judges of the law as well as the fact, and 
closed his address to the jury as follows : " I make no doubt but 
your iipright conduct this day will not only entitle you to the love 
and esteem of your fellow-citizens, but every man who prefers 
freedom to a life of slavery will bless and honor you as men who 
have baffled the attemj^t of tyranny, and by an impartial and in- 
corrupt verdict have laid a noble foundation for securing to our- 
selves, our posterity, and our neighbors that to which nature and 
the laws of our country have given as a right, the liberty both of 
opposing and exposing arbitrary power (in these parts of the world, 
at least) by speaking and writing the truth." 

The jury rendered a verdict of not guilty. 

Shout upon shout shook the hall, which the court labored in 
vain to suppress. Mr. Hamilton was conducted by the crowd from 
the hall to a splendid entertainment. The next day the citizens 
were out en masse at his departure. He entered his barge with a 
salute of cannon, and was presented by the Common Council of 
the city with the freedom of the city in a gold box handsomely 
chased, and engraved with appropriate inscriptions. 

Thus was tyranny baffled, the liberty of the press asserted, and 
even in those days of kingly and aristocratic rule the i;)rinciple 
maintained, by a jury of the country, that truth is grander than 
fiction ; that in libel it is not an aggravation, but, stripped of 
malice, a justification, as now proclaimed and set forth in the fun- 
damental law of this State. 

Governor Cosby died the next year after the Zenger trial. Mr. 
Van Dam was the oldest member of the council, and therefore re- 
garded by the people as entitled to the temporary succession. But 
he belonged to the opposition, and besides it was announced that 
he had been suspended by the governor before his death. It does 
not appear ever to have been fairly settled whether that suspen- 
sion was the act of a dying man, as some alleged, or had been done 
secretly and kept a secret for several months previous to his death. 
At any rate, whenever executed it was intended as a legacy, to take 



116 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

effect at death. On account of the conflicting views between him- 
self and the governor, Van Dam had absented himself from the 
meetings of the council during the Zenger trial. 

The council met after the death of Governor Cosby, and a ma- 
jority, against the protest of Mr. Alexander, administered the oath 
to Councilman Clarke. Van Dam disputed the validity of the 
death-bed suspension, and demanded the seals, claiming the gov- 
ernment as the oldest counsellor. He was encoiiraged and sus- 
tained in this by the voice of the people. But Clarke, having the 
support of the council, officiated as their president. 

On the 14th of October, 1736, the day for appointing officers, 
both incumbents assumed to act. The contest between the two 
parties or factions had become very bitter, and a resort to violence 
was threatened. While matters were in this excited state, declara- 
tory orders came from England in favor of Clarke, and he very 
soon thereafter received the appointment of lieutenant-governor. 

The Assembly had been adjourned from time to time, until it 
met in its nintli session on the 14th of October, 1736. The presi- 
dent, Clarke, opened the Assembly in a very lengthy speech upon the 
condition and necessities of the province. The council and Assem- 
bly made a brief reply, in which they lamented the unhappy 
division which had sprung up in the province and been industri- 
ously fomented " by the wicked artifice of some factious and im- 
placable spirits, who, in order to gratify their own private piques 
and resentments, have put all at stake, and done their utmost to 
throw this Colony into the most fatal convulsions." 

On the 3d of May, 1737, the Assembly, having failed to pass the 
appropriation bills desired by Governor Clai'ke in the form de- 
manded by him, but had ' ' passed some Resolves highly deroga- 
tory to his Majesty's Honor and just Prerogatives," he dissolved 
•the Assembly. 

Writs were issued for the election of a new assembly, return- 
able the 15th of June, 1737. The new Assembly met on that day. 
The delegates returned from Ulster County were Abraham Gaasbeek 
Chambers and John Hardenbergh. The governor, desiring to go to 
Albany to have a conference with the Indians, the Assembly was 
prorogued until the 3d of September. 

The People's Party were in the majority, and the session at its 
opening threatened to be very stormy. The opening address of 
the lieutenant-governor was very mild and conciliatory. The an- 
swer of the house was threatening, and sprinkled with war clouds. 
They found much faidt with the action of their predecessors, alleg- 
ing prodigality and misappropriation of funds, and announced in 
strong terms what they would do and what tliey would not do. 

Clarke, however, appears to have been equal to the emeigeucy, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIf. 117 

and in tactics to have eqiialled some of the astute politicians of the 
present day. He seemed to know when and where to adopt the 
maxim, " A soft answer turneth away wrath," and where and how 
official patronage could be turned to the best account ; how oppos- 
ing leaders could be led astray and their influence destroyed by 
holding up to their expectation glittering baubles of ofiice, until 
the purpose had been served, and then denying their enjoyment. 
With shrewdness, therefore, he managed to work with the opposi- 
tion Legislature harmoniously. He succeeded substantially in 
what he wanted, and at the same time many popular bills were 
passed and much business was accomplished. Among, the local 
acts passed was one " to enable the Justices of . the Peace of the 
County of Ulster to defray the charges of building a court-house 
and gaol, for the said county, and to enable them to furnish the 
same, and for defraying other cliarges therein mentioned.' ' Among 
the general acts was one ' ' lowering the interest of money to seven 
per cent ;" also one " to defray the necessary and contingent 
charges of the Garrison of Oswego, repairing the same, and for bet- 
ter regulating the fur trade." The most important act was one 
" for emitting bills of credit for the payment of the debts, and for 
the better support of the Government of this Colony and other 
pui'poses therein mentioned." This act provided for the issue of 
" bills of credit to the value of £48,350 current money in New 
York," in different denondnations, from ten pounds d<;>wn to five 
shillings. The bills were declared to pass current as cuiTency. 
Eighty-three hundred and fifty pounds in amount were to be paid 
over to the treasui'er of the colony, and the balance paid over to 
the loan officers in the several counties in the proportions j)re- 
scribed in the act, to be loaned to the people on bond and mortgage, 
at five per cent interest, in sums not less than twenty-five pounds 
nor more than one hundred pounds ; interest payable annually, and 
principal in four annual instalments in the years 1747 to 1750, 
inclusive. The proportion of Ulster County was four thousand 
pounds. This was the first creation of loan officers and govern- 
mental loans in this country. 

It was during the administration of Governor Clarke that the 
great panic prevailed in the city of New York in regard to a 
negro or rather slave insurrection. Although it proved the death 
of many poor negroes, the insurrection existed more in the excited 
imaginations of the people than in the reality. It originated 
from some petty thefts and accidental fires, which exaggerated 
from mole-hiUs into mountains, dethroned reason, and gave un- 
founded suspicions and excited fancies full sway. It will be seen, 
when reference is had more particularly to local matters in Kings- 
ton, that the alann reached even there. _The negi'oes were restricted 



118 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

in their privileges, and a call made for a double niglit watch in 
that place. 

The year 1742 is memorable in the annals of the city of New 
York on account of the great and fatal prevalence of the yellow- 
fever in that city. 

In 1743 the administration of Lieutenant-Governor Clarke 
closed, and he was succeeded by Admiral George Clinton. 

Admiral George Clinton arrived at New York on the 22d day 
of September, 1743, and at once assumed the reins of government. 
The inhabitants of the colony were very strongly impressed in his 
favor, very flattering accounts of his talents and liberality having 
reached here in advance of his arrival. In his opening address to 
the Legislature he gave the strongest assurances that the welfare 
of the province would be his chief care and study, which tended 
greatly to confirm such favorable impressions. 

One of the first acts of his administration was the dissolution 
of the Assembly, and an order for a new election. The frequent 
return of the representatives to their constituents was popular with 
the people. The retention by some former governors of an As- 
sembly for a long series of years, on account of their favorable 
support of the administration, met with strong remonsti-ances, and 
indications of disapproval from the people. Some of the former 
governors had also excited against themselves bitter feeling and 
hatred on the part of the people by their efl'orts, through frequent 
proroguing or dissolutions, to annoy and force the assent of the 
Assembly to distasteful measui'es. 

About that time the French ministry were making great prep- 
arations to invade England, and to place the pretender, Chevalier 
de St. George, upon the throne. The Protestant feeling and prej- 
udices of the colonists were readily ai'oused against the Pretender, 
as a Roman Catholic and creature of the pope. As a residt, we 
find that when the Assembly met, in its reply to the governor's 
speecli all former subjects of difl'erence between the execiitive and 
the Assembly were entirely ignored, and it was replete with the 
strongest assurances of loyalty and adherence to the Protestant 
faith. The delegates from Ulster County were Colonel Gaasbeek 
Chambers and Abraham Hasbrouck. 

At the first session of the Assembly, in the fall of 1743, a law 
was passed limiting the continuance of the general Assembly to 
seven yeai'S ; it received the approval of the governor, and con- 
tinued in force until the Revolution. The Legislature at that ses- 
sion passed an act for the regulation of prosecutions by infoi'ma- 
tion, in order to reform such abuses as had been practised in the 
case of Zenger and others ; but through the influence of the at- 
torney-general it was not acted upon by the council. The passage 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 119 

of sucli a law would have interfered too much with that official's 
perquisites and arbitrary powers. This proceeding- by informntion 
was one of the royal prerogatives, which had its rise in the days 
when despotism was in the ascendent, and the people were serfs, 
apparently without rights and without privileges. It was a right, 
vested in the king's attorney-general, to commence a criminal pros- 
ecution against and arrest any citizen upon his own motion or the 
request of an individual by filing a suggestion or information in 
court, charging the defendant with any crime short of a capital 
offence. The citizen could be thus subjected to the odium, annoy- 
ance, and expense of defending a prosecution instituted perhaps 
upon mere suspicion, without probable cause, actuated by malice, 
and not suj>ported by the solemnity of an oath. It was a tremen- 
dous power for oi^pression, ill-use, and extortion, at the mere beck 
or will of the attorney-general. Our ancestors demanded protec- 
tion against the abuse of such power. The council considered their 
demand unworthy of notice. 

At the April session the Assembly assured the governor that it 
would cheerfully concur in every measure for the security of the 
colony. At that session an appropriation of four thousand pounds 
was made for fortifications and military operations, and a tax 
ordered to defray the expense. 

The Assembly, after a short recess, reassembled in July. Tlie 
governor called its attention to the existence of the war of England 
with France and Spain, and the necessity of immediate prepara- 
tions for defence against their northern neighbors and the Indians. 
The Assembly in response voted liberal supplies. 

The English Government was not satisfied with the colonies 
placing themselves on the defensive, but convinced of the great 
value of the acquisition of Canada, it sent peremptory orders to 
Governor Clinton to carry hostilities into the Canadas and accom- 
plish their capture— thus seeking its own aggrandizement at the 
expense of the blood and treasure of the colonies. 

At the March session of the Assembly, in 1745, the governor 
directed the attention of the house to the contemplated attack 
uj^on Canada, and demanded its favorable action. The house made 
no response to the governor' s speech. It was determined to do all 
that was necessary for defence, and to secure the friendship of the 
Indians ; but the Assembly considered it the business of the English 
Government, and not that of the colonies, to add another jewel to 
the British crown. They were already burdened and ground to 
the earth with enormous taxes, and could do no more than was 
necessary for self -protection. Information came also from England 
that a bill was pending in Parliament to prevent the issuing of 
colonial bills of credit, and their use as money. The colonists felt 



120 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

that the passage of such a law would be knocking their last prop 
from under them. This had been their great relief in the enor- 
mous expenditures tliey had theretofore incurred in their previous 
offensive as well as defensive wars with the French and Indians. 

The governor was very indignant at the non-action of the As- 
sembly, summoned them before him, and after giving them a 
severe reprimand, dissolved them. Writs wei'e issued for the elec- 
tion of a new assembly, to meet on the 25th day of June, 1745. 
The Assembly convened on that day, and Albert Pawling and John 
Hardenbergh appeared as delegates from the county of Ulster. 

The new Assembly contributed five thousand pounds toward the 
expenses of the expedition organized in Massachiisetts and the 
eastei'u provinces for the capture of Cape Breton, but contributed 
no men. 

New York was kept in constant activity and alann with incur- 
sions by the French and Indians upon her northern borders. Sar- 
atoga was surj)rised, some of its inhabitants slain, others carried 
off as captives, and destruction spread over the neighborhood, at- 
tended with the most brutal and horrible cruelties on the part of 
the French and Indians. 

Ulster County was panic-stricken, lest the marauders should be 
able to extend their I'avages that far into the interior. Besides 
contributing its quota of men for the defence of the most exposed 
frontier at the north, Ulster was obliged to keep a constant patrol 
and watch for the protection of its outside settlements. 

In July, 1745, the Assembly passed an act to raise forty thou- 
sand i:)ounds by tax, and it received the approval of the governor 
and council. On the 26th day of February, 1746, a day of fasting 
and prayer was directed to be observed throughout the colony, in 
order "to implore the Divine goodness, to crown liis Majesty's 
anns with success, and to pi'otect the inhabitants from the barbar- 
ous incursions of the Indians, and the detestable plots of the 
French and the Pretender." 

In the beginning of the year 1746, the French and their Indian 
allies had become so bold that they ventured with their marauding- 
parties to within a very short distance of Albany, took and carried 
off prisoners, plundered and set fire to houses and murdered in- 
mates. These bands, when pursued, eluded capture and escaped. 
The whole country was in a state of great fear and excitement. 

A refusal on the part of Pennsylvania and Connecticut to con- 
tribute anything toward supplying the Six Nations of Indians with 
the provisions of war was productive of very bitter feeling on the 
part of the New York colonists toward their neighbors, and justly 
so ; it stiiTed up afresh the jealousy which had for some time ex- 
isted between them. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 121 

In June, 1746, the Assembly resolved that provision should be 
made for sendino- four hundi'ed and lifty men and lifty Indians to 
the northern frontier. About the same time the Assembly received 
a message from the governor, advising it that the British min- 
istry had proposed an expedition against Canada, to be organized 
in the provinces, and to be aided by a naval force from Great 
Britain. The house concurred in the proposition with great una- 
nimity, and immediately voted a bounty of six poimds, over and 
above regular pay, to each able-bodied volunteer for service in the 
expedition. They also approj)riated six thousand pounds for the 
immediate purchase of supplies for victualling the forces that might 
be raised in the colony for the proposed expedition. 

Notwithstanding the enormous pecuniary and other sacrifices 
entailed upon the colony by the proposed expedition, every meas- 
ure was cheerfuUj" adopted for its advancement. 

A disease similar to yellow-fever broke out in Albany that 
summer, which proved fatal to many in the city ; it also attacked 
the Indians encamped in the vicinity to such an extent that the 
governor felt compelled to dismiss them from further attendance. 
As cold weather advanced the disease subsided, and in the winter 
it wholly disappeared. 

The English Government, in reference to the proposed attack 
upon Canada, appeared to have had all its objects fully answered 
by arousing the colonies to raise troops and expend large amounts 
of money. The promised fleet for the expedition, to co-operate 
with the land forces, never was sent, nor were any steps taken on 
the part of the home government for the protection of the colonists. 

On the 4th of August, 1747, the governor informed the Assembly 
that Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, proposed a junction of the 
forces of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts for offensive 
operations. The whole expense, exclusive of provisions, was esti- 
mated at fourteen thousand pounds. The Assembly refused to act 
until it knew how much Connecticut and Massachusetts would 
contribute, but informed the governor that it would cheerfully 
contribute one third part of whatever expense was found necessary 
to carry out any well-concerted scheme for annoying the common 
enemy, but would not do any more. 

Commissioners appointed by the three several colonies agreed 
upon a plan for the combination of their forces and a division of 
the expenses. 

On the 25th of November, 1747, the governor dissolved the As- 
sembly, and issued wi-its for a new election, the Assembly to con- 
vene on the 12th of February, 1748. 

Thenew Assembly convened on that day, and Abraham Hasbrouck 
and Johannis Janse appeared as delegates from Ulsfeir County. 



122 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

The agreement made for a union of the forces of the three col- 
onies against the enemy was not carried out, by reason of the gov- 
ernment of Massachusetts not approving it. 

In October of that year a treaty of peace was conchided between 
England and France. England, by one of the articles in that 
treaty, restored to the French Cape Breton, the key to Canada, 
which had been taken by the colonists. Thus that valuable acqui- 
sition, won by colonial blood and treasure, was thrown away. 

We have thus reached the conclusion of the war tainted with 
savage murder, cruelty, and bloodshed, and the inaugnration of 
peace with the whilom outside enemies of the colonies. Now with 
peace without, it becomes our duty to record a bitter but bloodless 
contest within upon an important question of principle between 
the royal executive and the representatives of the people. 

The Assembly convened on the 28th of June, 1749, and the gov- 
ernor in his opening address, after congratulating the Assembly 
upon the establishment of peace, referred to the manner in which 
appropriations were made annually, and were not subject to the 
warrant of the executive. He then proceeded as follows : 

" I must demand of you. Gentlemen of the Assembly, to give 
me an answer in direct and positive terms, previously to your going 
on any other business, whether you will grant his Majesty a rev- 
enue for support of his Government conformable to his commission 
and instructions to me, the copies of wliich I now deliver to yoii." 
The instructions referred to directed that ' ' all moneys raised by 
any act" should " be issued out by warrant from you" (the gov- 
ernor), and that all " laws made for the supply and support of the 
Government should be indefinite and without limitation." " You 
(the governor) are not to suffer any public money whatsoever to 
be issued or disposed of otherwise than by warrant under your 
hand, by and with the advice and consent of the said council." 

The Assembly replied to the governor's message, and in conclu- 
sion say, " that the faithful Representatives of the People could 
never recede from the method of an annual support." 

On the 12tli of July the governor delivered another message, in 
which he reiterated his demand, and asked a categorical answer. 
The Assembly on the 14th of July replied, and in conclusion say^ 
" We must declare to your Excellency that we cannot answer it to 
our constituents, to pass any bill for raising money on them, and 
leave it to be disposed of at the will and pleasure of a Gov- 
ernor. . . . And we now declare to your Excellency, that we 
are heartily willing to provide an honorable support for his 
Majesty's government in this colony, in the manner wherein it 
has been done ever since your Excellency came to the administra- 
tion (this was by annual enactments). . . . We take leave to 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 123 

assure yonr Excellency, that no inconvenience, how great soever, 
to which our own persons or private affairs may be exposed, by 
means of our being kept here, sliall ever prevail upon us to aban- 
don the true interests of our country." After considerable further 
discussion lietween the governor and the Assembly, and adjourn- 
ment from day to day witliout tlie transaction of any business, the 
governor on the 4th day of August prorogued the Assembly until 
the 12th day of September, 1749. It was there;xfter prorogued 
from time to time by the governor, iintil his dissolution thereof on 
the 21st of July, 1750. 

The new Assembly met on the 4th day of September, 1750, and 
John Hardenbergh and Johannis Janse appeared as delegates from 
Ulster County. The personnel of the Assembly was substantially 
the same as the last. There were only live changes of members, 
and David Jojies was unanimously re-elected Speaker. 

The governor and the Assembly apparently met in a much better 
and more conciliatory spirit than they parted at the dissolution. 
They exhibited a determination not to permit tlieir differences to 
interfere with the proper administration of the government. 

The governor in his message called the attention of the Assembly 
to various matters requiring immediate attention. In refei"ence to 
the question at issue at the last session, he simply in substance 
stated that in reference to matters relating to the support of the 
government, and the manner of raising and issuing the public 
moneys, it could adopt no better rule than that contained in the 
governor's commission, and the royal instructions accompanying 
it. In the closing paragraph, he said : "I choose to shew my 
inclinations, to do everything in my power for the peace and pros- 
perity of the People of the Province, by my actions rather than 
my words." 

The Assembly met the conciliatory course of the governor in a 
becoming spirit, and as its address is as brief as conciliatory, it is 
given entire : 

" \Ye, his Majesty's most dutiful and Loyal subjects, the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the Colony of New York, return your Excellency 
our thanks for your declaration, that you will shew by your actions 
rather than by words your inclination to do everything in your 
power for the peace and prosperity of the People of this Province ; 
a resolution truly worthy the Representative of our most gracious 
Sovereign, who has ever demonstrated, tlirough the whole course 
of his glorious reign, that the good of his People is his cheerful 
study, and theii- happiness his greatest glory. 

" We assure your Excellency, that we shall immediately jjro- 
ceed to the consideration of the several particulars recommended 
in your Excellency's speech, and shaU do therein what we conceive 



124 HISTOR-S OF KINGSTON. 

will be necessaiy for his Majesty's service, and the security, peace, 
and prosperity of this his loyal Colony." 

Thus ended the unpleasant episode between Governor Clinton 
and the people's representatives — a contest in which both parties 
contended for what each believed to be its legitimate rights. The 
governor, following the royal instructions, demanded that tlie ap- 
propriations for the support of the government should be perma- 
nent in their character, so as to place the executive, in that partic- 
ular, independent of the people. The Assembly, on the other hand, 
Avas determined to hold and control the purse-strings, aware of the 
great advantage it gave to the people in the case of an arbitrary 
or dishonest executive. 

The Assembly, on the second day of its session, passed and 
transmitted to the council for concurrence the requisite appropria- 
tion bill for the support of the government, but limited to one year 
in its operation. Thus at the same time that it supplied the ex- 
ecutive with necessary funds for the government, it adhered to the 
position maintained in the controversy, and in which it had been 
sustained by the people. 

On the 2oth of Sei^tember, 1750, the governor transmitted to the 
Assembly a letter from Governor Hamilton, of Pennsylvania, stat- 
ing that 'New York was expected to bear part of the expense of 
securing the fidelity of the Indians on tlie Ohio River. In re- 
sponse to which the Assembly, in its address to the governor, stated 
substantially that it had incurred a debt of many thousand pounds 
during the late war, which was unpaid ; it was not, therefore, in a 
condition to make the expected contribution. And as New York 
in the late war had defended her own frontiers, which lay between 
the Indians and Pennsylvania, without any assistance from that 
colony, she would leave Pennsylvania to attend to the Indians on 
the Ohio River at her owni expense. 

At this session one thousand i)ounds was appropriated to enable 
the governor to meet the Six Nations of Indians at Albany, and 
make them the iisual presents. It also passed a law authoiizing 
the justices of the peace of the county of Ulster to expend one 
hundred pounds repairing the jail in that county. 

The Assembly was prorogued, and did not convene until the 
30th of May, 1751. The governor then asked for an increased al- 
lowance for the Indians. The Assembly considered the amount 
allowed sufficient, and declined to grant any more. 

The house was then prorogued xintil the 6th of August, but was 
not convened until the 8th of October, 1751. 

At this session there was a renewal of the controversy between 
the house and the legislative council, in regard to tlieir respective 
powers. The Assembly passed a bill to pay and discharge several 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 125 

demands made against the colony. The conncil demanded of the 
Assembly to be furnished with the vouchers relating to the ac- 
counts. The Assembly refused, considering the demand " as ex- 
traordinary and unprecedented." It took the ground that it was 
"a money biU " over which it had exclusive jurisdiction. The 
council refused to act without their jDroduction. 

The council, at the same session, originated and passed a bill 
entitled "an act to apply £500 for management of Indian affairs 
and for rej)airing the garrison at Oswego." Immediately upon its 
receipt by the house, it was rejected, on the ground that " it in- 
trenches on the great essential and undoubted right of the Repre- 
sentatives of the People of this Colony, to begin all bills for raising 
and disposing of money." 

Thus it will be seen that the representatives of the people, no 
matter in what form the question was raised, never lost sight of 
the great fundamental principle underlying the question of tax- 
ation. 

The governor in his opening address to the Assembly, having 
asked for an additional appropriation for the Indians, it adopted 
an address to him informing him of the differences existing be- 
tween it and the council. It further stated that it ' ' had not passed 
any law in regard to Indian affairs, as it had only a short time 
I^revious appropriated £1000, and was not satisfied that it had been 
properly expended. That while it is apprehensive that what it is 
desired to give will not be usefully employed in the service in 
which it is required, it has concluded to give nothing at all." 

It then asked permission for the members to return to their 
families for the winter. 

On the 25th of November, 1751, the Assembly w^as dissolved. 
Writs were then issued for the election of a new Assembly, to con- 
vene on the 15th of February, 1752. 

Johannis Janse and IMoses De Pui, Jr., were returned as mem- 
bers from Ulster County. The house was not convened until the 
24th of October, 1752. After passing such acts as were necessary 
for carrying on the government, it was on account of the preva- 
lence of the small-pox prorogued. Its first meeting after that was 
on the 30th of May, 1753, at Jamaica, L. I. After passing a few 
laws in reference to financial matters, it was prorogued until the 
9th of October, 1753. 

Governor Clinton was recalled and appointed governor of the 
Greenwich Hospital, and Sir Danvers Oslwrne was commissioned 
as Governor of New York to succeed him, and Sir James De Lancey 
was appointed lieutenant-governor. 



CHAPTER IX. 

FROM THE ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR OSBORNE IN 1753 TO THE 
CLOSE OF THE FRENCH WAR IN 1760. 

SIR DAN VERS OSBORNE, the newly-appointed governor, ar- 
rived on the 7th day of September, 1753, and assumed the 
duties of his office. He appeared very melancholy on his arrival, 
and on tlie 12th of September committed suicide by hanging. He 
had then very recently met with a great domestic afiiiction in the 
loss of his wife, and thereafter had been very much depressed in 
spirits. He was sent to New York with the hope, on the part of 
his friends, that employment and change of scene would restore 
him, but it proved otherwise. 

There is very little doubt, if any, that the prospective trials of 
the gubernatorial office, sure to arise under his rigid and peremp- 
tory instructions from the king, on the subject of the great ques- 
tions in difference between the king and the colony drove him to 
madness and self-murder. 

The bold and independent stand taken by the legislative assem- 
blies of New York, in refusing to grant permanent salaries and 
appropriations for the governor and other officials, and also in 
withholding the keys of the treasury from the executive, and re- 
fusing to have the public funds therein subject to the governor's 
warrant, was extremely annoying to the king and his counsellors, 
and they determined to crush the opposition. 

For that purpose they included in their instructions to Sir 
Danvers Osborne as governor, a pereraj)tory order to call the coun- 
cil and Assembly together, and declare to them the king's high 
displeasure in the strongest and most solemn manner, and to en- 
join upon them at once to recede from all encroachments, and con- 
sider without delay a "proper law for a permanent revenue solid 
indefinite and without limitation, giving salaries to aU Governors, 
Jiidges, Justices and other necessary officers, etc., . . . and 
for all such other charges of government as may be fixed or ascer- 
tained." 

The instructions further ordered that ' ' money, raised for the 
supply nnd sujiport of the Government, or for temporary emer- 
gencies, be applied, to the services for which it was raised, no otlier 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 127 

wise than by the Governors loarranty And tliey further ex- 
pressly prohibited the governor from assenting to any law based 
upon any other principle. 

Thus was a positive issue created by royal order between the 
executive and legislative branch of the government, and of such 
character that one side or the other must yield, or the wheels of 
government be effectually blocked. 

It is not surprising that a morl)idly sensitive mind, burdened 
also with a great domestic affliction, should revolt at entering 
upon such a troxiblesome and unpopular contest, and lead the gov- 
ernor to prefer death to life. 

The administration of the executive branch of the government 
then devolved upon Sir James De Lancey as lieutenant-governor. 
Upon the important questions at issue between the king and the 
colonial Assembly, the sympathy of Governor De Lancey was with 
the people. His position was therefore a trying and peculiar one. 
He obeyed the royal instructions to the letter, communicated them 
to the Legislature, and enjoined obedience, not only in., the first, 
but in all his subsequent messages. 

The Assembly continued firm in their adherence to the position 
it had assumed. It passed appropriation bills limited to a year, 
and made no change in the mode of drawing money out of the 
treasury. The legislative council, of course, under the peremptory 
instructions of the king, refused its assent. Thus matters con- 
tinued, neither party yielding, and, consequently, the governor 
received no salary. 

The Assembly adopted resolutions and an address to the crown, 
couched in very firm and strong language, adhering to its position 
and giving its reasons. Governor De Lancey forwarded the address 
and resolutions, accompanied with a recommendation to the nun- 
istry to recede. 

This condition of things continued until the spring of 1756, 
nearly three years, when the English ministry yielded the j)oiht, 
and consented to annual appropriation bills. 

Thus did the people eventually triumph, and it was, indeed, a 
great victory, which might not have been accomplished under a 
stubborn, unfriendly executive. Governor De Lancey was a man of 
talents, shrewdness, and good executive ability. Notwithstand- 
ing the positive and peremptory instructions under which he was 
governed, so directly opposite to the views of the Assembly, the 
executive and legislative branches of the government jDrogressed 
in perfect harmony and good feeling. 

During his administration, and on the 14th of June, 1754, a 
congress of deputies from all the colonies was held in Albany to 
devise a union for defence against the French and Indians, who. 



128 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

notwithstanding the treaty of peace between France and England, 
were constantly committing depredations upon the border settle- 
ments. A plan of union was drawn up by Benjamin Franklin, 
who was one of the deputies. It was submitted to and approved 
by a committee, and upon its favorable report was adopted by the 
convention. 

The plan contemplated an act of Parliament to sanction a gen- 
eral government over the colonies, each to retain its present consti- 
tution. The general government to be administered by a president- 
general and council to be appointed by the crown, and a grand 
council or house of representatives elected by the people of the 
colonies, convened in their assemblies respectively. The propor- 
tion of members for each respective j)rovince to such grand council 
was also prescribed. They were to meet once a year, but might be 
convened at any intermediate time upon emergencies. 

England, through fear of the union, rejected the plan. The 
colonial governments disapproved of it as placing too much power 
in the crown. This was clearly the germ from which evolved the 
confederation, and subsequently the Constitution of the United 
States. 

The action of this i)rovincial convention toward a. governmental 
union without doubt served to arouse the British Government 
from its Rip Van Winkle sleep, and convince it of the necessity 
of decisive and affirmative action against the Canadian-French and 
Indians. It perceived that the legitimate and necessary result of 
the continuance of its former policy to leave the battles to be 
fought, and conquest, if any, achieved by colonial action alone, 
would teach the colonies their warlike strength, and lead to a con- 
federate union, which might in the end result disastrously to the 
British rule. Thus aroused, the British ministry inaugurated an 
entire change of policy, and determined to assume themselves the 
conquest of Canada, and furnisli the x>i'incipal force for tliat pur- 
pose, to be aided by the colonies. Thus at the same time that they 
would put an end to the cruel border wars, they would themselves, 
and not their colonies, make, or rather, perhaps, assume the credit 
of making an addition of great value to their colonial laossessions. 

Tlie English Government also became aware of the necessity of 
decisive action on their part from the enei'getic manner in which 
the French were carrying out their plans for subjecting the entire 
Western country to their government. They were industriously 
engaged in exploring the Western country from tlie Canadas on 
the North to the Gulf of Mexico on the South, and at the same 
time burying possessory and discovery plates at certain distances 
from each other, establishing a line of fortiiications extending from 
Canada, and along the Ohio River and down to the Mississippi, 



IIlSTOnV OF KINGSTON. 129 

and were also, througli their agents, exerting every possible influ- 
ence by flattery, presents, and otherwise, to gain the afl'ections and 
confidence of the natives, and excite their feelings and prejudices 
against the English. Tlie ministry could not be blind to the fact 
that the successful acconix^lishnient of their schemes by the French 
would necessarily most seriously affect the peace and safety of the 
entire western border of the British provinces. 

It is not within the province of this work to detail at any length 
the events of the war resulting in the conquest of Canada by the 
English ; but as the avowed subject of our history was a part and 
parcel of the province, and many of her sons fonned part of the 
provincial forces contriljuting to the successful result, some gen- 
eral statement may reasonably be expected. 

The historical records of that date furnish so little information 
in regard to local troops and forces engaged, that very little infor- 
mation has been gathered in regard to the movements of the Kings- 
ton or Ulster County military connected with the invading annies. 

On the 6th of December, 1754, Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey 
adjourned the Assembly until the second Tuesday of March, 1755. 
But early in January he received advices from England which ren- 
dered an earlier meeting necessary, by reason of the measures 
determined on by his Majesty's government, in reference to the 
defence of the colonies. The lieutenant-governor, therefore, issued 
a proclamation for the reassembling of the Legislature on the 4th 
of February, 1755. The Assembly convened on that day, and was 
at once addressed by the governor and requested to make immedi- 
ate provision for the raising of men and money for the defence of 
the colonies, and aggressive action against the French and their 
Indian allies. 

The Assembly at once proceeded to action, and on the lOtli of 
the same month a law was perfected and enacted, the purport of 
w^hich is fully explained in its title as ' ' an act for raising a supply 
of £45,000 by a tax on estates, real and personal, for putting this 
Colony in a proper posture of defence, for furthering his Majesty's 
designs against his enemies in North America, and other the pur- 
poses thereinmentioned, for emitting bills of credit for the like 
sum, and for sinking and cancelling the bills in short periods." 

On the 3d day of May, 1755, a further act was passed, entitled 
' ' an act for paying and subsisting eight complete companies of 100 
effective men each, officers included, to assist, in conjunction with 
the neighboring Colonies, in erecting one or more forts nigh Crown 
Point within his Majesty's dominions, and for raising the sum of 
£10,000. for and towards said service." 

And on the 11th day of September, 1755, the Legislature, for 
the furtherance of the same object, passed a further act, entitled 
9 



130 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

" an act for raising £8000 to be contribnted to the Colony of Con- 
necticut, towards the expense of reinforcement of 2000 effective 
men, now levying in said Colony, for the anny destined against 
Crowai Point under Major General Johnson and for emitting bills 
of credit," etc. So that it will be seen that this province was in 
no way backward in forwarding the designs of the English 
ministry. 

The British Government, while expressing their anxiety and 
desire to have the benefit of the colonial money and troops in their 
warlike operations, could not avoid an exhibition of their feelings 
and inbred conviction of superiority. Their Parliament, in mak- 
ing provision for the conquest of Canada, passed an act declaring 
that all troops raised by the colonial governments, whenever acting 
in conjunction with British soldiers, should be governed by Eng- 
lish martial law. That was a lifting accompaniment to their previ- 
ous orders, that all officers commissioned by his Majesty or com- 
mander-in-chief should take precedence of those commissioned by 
the lirovinces ; and that the generals and field officers of the pro- 
vincial troops should liaee no raiik when serving with the generals 
and held officers commissioned by the crown. The effect of all 
this was to encourage and increase the insolence and contempt 
with which the British officers viewed and treated the provincials, 
and aroused feelings of disgust and hatred on the part of the pro- 
vincials. The Americans, of course, submitted, but before the war 
closed, and, indeed, at its very commencement, the British were 
forced to acknowledge in a number of instances their indebtedness 
to the superior skill of American provincial troops in border war- 
fare for the rescue of their forces from destruction. 

It was also about this time, it is said, that " Yankee Doodle" 
had its origin among the wits of the British army. The army lay on 
the east side of tlie Hudson, not far from Albany, when the pro- 
vincial troops joined them. So odd was the appearance and 
accoutrements of the militia that they were the subject of ridicule 
to the whole British army. Dr. Shackburgh of the British forces 
composed a tune, which he reconnnended to the officers as one of 
the most celebrated airs of martial music. It was enthusiastically 
received, and in a few days nothing was heard in the provincial 
camp but " Yankee Doodle." In less than a quarter of a century 
from that time English armies laid down their arms and marched 
into the American camp to the same tune, and not far from the 
same locality. 

In 1755 General Braddock was sent with English troops to take 
the suj)reme military command in this country, and in due time 
arrived in Virginia. He at once called a convention of j the provin- 
cial governors at AnnaiJolis. The plan of campaign was then 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 131 

determined upon. The British general was to march to Fort 
Dnqnesne. Governor Shirley, who had received a major-general's 
commission from the king, was to marcli with the American troops 
against Niagara, and the militia of the northern colonies against 
Crown Point. 

AMiile these prepai-ations were being made at Annapolis, some 
English troops commanded by Colonel Monckton, with the New 
England forces commanded by John Winslow, reduced Nova 
Scotia. 

As to the result of the proposed attack against Fort Dnqnesne, 
Braddock was defeated with his Englisli troops, and lost his life 
at Pittsburg. Sir "William Johnson, to whom was intrusted tlie 
command of the expedition against Crown Point, proceeded with 
an army of six thousand men, supplied by NeAv England and New 
York, including the trooxis from Ulster County, and three hundi'ed 
Indians. A portion of the troops was left at Fort Edward. The 
main body proceeded to Lake George. Upon hearing that the 
French general, Baron Dieskau, was apjiroaching to attack Fort 
Edward, Johnson despatched Colonel Williams with twelve hun- 
dred men to Fort Edward. Colonel Williams when he had pro- 
ceeded about four miles met the entire French force in a narrow 
defile. Williams was killed on the first charge, and his command 
nearly annihilated. A few escaped by rapid flight to Johnson's 
camp. 

The French general proceeded at once to attack Johnson. Sir 
William was severely wounded in the early part of the battle, and 
the command devolved on General Lyman ; he not only siicceeded 
in repelling the attack, but the French army was nearlj^ destroyed, 
and its commander mortally wounded. 

No advantage was taken of this victory, the objective point, 
Crown Point, although within easy grasp, was left unmolested, 
and the French permitted to continue their fortifications at Ticon- 
deroga. 

As soon as General Johnson ascertained the strength of the 
French forces ready to attack him, he called for re-enforcements. 
They were at once forwarded with all the despatch possible, but 
the French were defeated before their arrival. The following 
officers were sent from Ulster County on such call for re-enforce- 
ments with the companies under their conmiand : Lieutenant 
Zachariah Hoffman, Lieutenant Hendrick Vandemark, Captain 
Johannis Newkirk, and Captain Cornells Hoornbeck, by order of 
Colonel Gaasbeek Chambers ; also Captain Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
Lieutenant WiUiam Nealy, Lieutenant Noah Eltinge, Captain 
Arnout Nile, Captain Simon Freer, and Captain Petrus Bogardus. 

Governor Shirley marched from Albany, with troops from New 



132 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

England, New York, and New Jersey, and some Iroquois Indians, 
to attack the French fortifications at Niagara. But before reach- 
ing Oswego news was received of Braddock' s defeat, which pro- 
duced such a disheartening effect, that his Indians, his boatmen, 
and some soldiers deserted, and he proceeded no farther than 
Oswego. While there sickness broke out among his troops, heavy 
rains set in, and the expedition was abandoned. He left a garrison 
of seven hundred men at Oswego with directions to build two 
forts, and returned to Albany without having seen the enemy. 
Thus ended the campaign of 1755. 

In the month of December in that year Ensign Thomas Bull, 
Sergeant James Crawford, Jr., and John W harry, with detach- 
ments of militia under them, were kept guarding and exploring 
the frontiers of Ulster County to protect the inhabitants against 
the Indians. 

The death of General Braddock left General Shirley in com- 
mand of the English forces, and he summoned a congress of the 
several governors of the colonies to meet in New York on the 12th 
of December, 1755, for consultation in regard to aggressive warlike 
action and defence. At that meeting it was determined to raise 
ten thousand troops in the provinces, organize expeditions to re- 
duce the French forts on Lakes Chami^lain and Ontario, and con- 
quer Canada. This was the work laid out by the commanding 
general for accomplishment ; what was attempted, not to say ac- 
complished, will be seen in the sequel. 

In September, 1755, Sir Charles Hardy arrived in New York, 
with the I'oyal commission as governor of the province, and as- 
sumed its duties. He was a British admiral, in no respect versed 
in or familiar with the duties of an executive. It is said that he 
placed himself under the guidance of Governor De Lancey, who 
thereby virtually remained the governor. 

On the 17th of December, 1755, the governor transmitted a 
special message to the Assembly, informing it that he had received 
information that hostile Indians were infesting the northern parts 
of Pennsylvania, near the river Delaware, and had committed sev- 
eral miirders, burned houses within a few miles of the settlements 
in this province, that they had also appeared in Minisink, Ulster 
County, and that he had ordered a detachment of thirty men from 
each of the regiments in Orange County and sixty from Ulster, to 
march to the frontiers, in order to protect the settlers and prevent 
them from deserting theii' habitations. 

The Assembly on the following day unanimously, resolved that 
in their opinion " pi'o vision shoidd be made tor a comi)etent num- 
ber of Rangers, to be raised out of the Counties of Orange and 
Ulster, for guarding the Western frontier of this Colony." And 



o 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 133 

on the 20th of December, ITSn, the Assembly passed a bill entitled 
an act ' ' to enable his Excellency the Governor or Commander in 
Chief, for the time being, to make detachments from the militia of 
the several counties therein mentioned, for protecting and securing 
the frontiers of this Colony." This bill was designed to enable the 
governor to raise a number of rangers out of the counties of Orange 
and Ulster by detachments, in case volunteers could not be pro- 
cured for guarding the western frontier of this colony ; and such 
number of effective men out of the county of Albany as might be 
sufficient to complete the quota of this colony for gaiTisoning Fort 
Edward on the carrying place, and Fort AVilliam Henry at Lake 
Geoi'ge. This bill having been passed by the legislative council 
wthout amendment, was signed by the governor, and became a law 
on the 23d of December, ITS.^. 

General Shirley, in regai'd to the project contemplated by the 
congress of provincial governors to make a winter attack upon 
Crown Point, asked of the Governor of New York one thousand 
men as the quota for this province. The Legislature before passing 
any law to that effect, desired information in regard to the quotas 
to be furnished by the other provinces, and also as to the number 
of regular troops to be engaged. General Shirley stated that only 
two hundi-ed regulars could be spared for the expedition. The 
Assembly took the ground that at least four hundi'ed regular 
troops should be provided. 

Before any action was taken. General Shirley, with the usual 
fate of an xmsuccessful general, was temporarily supei'seded in 
command by General Abercrombie, until the arrival of the per- 
manent commander. 

In the mean time nothing was accomplished, or, in fact, at- 
tempted against the French, and thus the Indians, unrestrained by 
aggressive warfare against their allies, were left free to make their 
raids upon the colonial frontiers. 

On the 13th of January, 1756, Governor Hardy sent a message 
to the Legislature, in regard to the protection of the frontier settle- 
ments in the counties of Ulster and Orange, and advised the build- 
ing of a line of block houses at some distance from the settlements, 
extending from a place called Machackamock to the town of 
Rochester. 

No detinite action having been taken, he sent another commu- 
nication to them on the 2d of March, informing them that ' ' on 
Tuesday last (February 23d) about noon, a party, consisting of 
about thirty or forty Indians, attacked and burned the house of 
Philij) Swartwout in Ulster County, murdered five of the people, 
took a woman prisoner, and destroyed the cattle, and that lately a 
man was killed by the Indians near Goshen." He earnestly recom- 



13Jr HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

mended the Assembly '" to make provision for supporting a suffi- 
cient force to drive oflt' the enemy, and pursue them even to their 
places of residence or retreat, and thus reduce them to the neces- 
sity of desiring peace." 

The Legislature in March passed a bill, which was approved by 
the governor, April 1st, and intended to provide both for the ex- 
pedition to Crown Point and the protection of the frontier borders 
of Ulster and Orange counties. It was entitled an " act for rais- 
ing, paying and subsisting 1715 effective men, officers included, to 
be employed, in conjunction with the neigliboring Colonies, on an 
expedition for reducing the Fi-ench fort at Crown Point, and carr j'- 
ing on an offensive war against the Indians, who infest the Western 
frontiers of this colony, and for other purposes tlierein mentioned." 

Messrs. Jacobus Bruyn and Charles Clinton in the months of 
April and May surveyed a road in the county of Ulster from Mini- 
sink to Rochester for the block-houses. They were guarded by a 
number of militia, under the command of Dirck Roosa, detached 
from the company commanded by Captain David Hays. 

In 17.56 the Indians made an attack upon the house of Rodger 
Blameless in Ulster County, and murdered him and his family. 
Ensign Matthew Rea, with a detachment of militia, was sent in inir- 
suit of the marauders, but they escajied. 

It was not until the 23d day of July, 1756, that Lord Loudoun 
arrived in New York, commissioned as commander-in-chief of his 
Majesty's forces in America. He at once assumed the command. 
War had now been formally declared between England and France. 
Although it had for two years and upward existed in America, 
there had been no formal declaration thereof until 1756. 

Tlie French had sent the Marquis de Montcalm as the com- 
mander-in-chief of their forces in America to succeed Dieskau, who 
was slain at the battle of Lake George. Montcalm was a man of 
very superior ability, active and energetic. The English general. 
Lord Loudoun, on the conti-ary, was entirely devoid of genius, and 
one of those chai'acters who, always in a hurry and fussy, never 
make any progress. 

The campaign of 1756 resulted disastrously to the English. 
The French reduced and demolished the English forts at Oswego. 
The garrison was surrendered to the French as jirisoners of war, 
and a large amount of Avarlike stores of every description fell into 
the hands of the victors. The loss of that important military post 
caused great consternation throughout the English provinces. 

Loudoun having so far attempted little and accomplished noth- 
ing, withdrew his troops into winter quarters. 

Such want of activity, coupled with the disasters sustained by 
the English, encouraged the Indians to make raids upon the west- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 135 

ern frontiers of the provinces, and it became necessary to keep 
large bodies of men constantly on girard upon the western frontier 
of Ulster as well as the other border counties. Detachments were 
sent at different times from the different companies, and relief for- 
warded at short intervals, so that every company in the county 
was called tipon more or less to aid in the performance of such 
duty. 

The following are the names, so far as can be ascertained, of the 
ofScers commanding detachments, and detailed with their men to 
guard the frontiers and scour the woods of Ulster County in the 
year 1756. Tliese men were called out at different periods and 
rendered unequal length of service : 

Captains John Bevier, Jr., Jacob Rutsen De Witt, Samuel 
Crawford, Thomas Ellison, and Stephen Nottingham. 

Lieutenants James McLaughry, James Humphrey, William 
Hall, William Faulkner, Noah Eltinge, Thomas Goldsmith, Hen- 
drick Van Keuren, Benjamin Hoornbeek, James McNeal, and Isaac 
Decker. 

Ensif/ns Adam Newkirk, Petrus Hasten, Elias Depuy, John 
Duniond, and John Lefevre. 

Sergeants Johannis Mele, Daniel Butterfield, John Thompson, 
Benjamin Klaarwater, William Crawford, and John Hasten. 

Coiyorals Jacobus Bush, Jacob Terwilliger, Daniel Brown, John 
Hiller, Frederick Feckert, and John Wilken. 

General Loudoun made preparations for a grand campaign in 
1757, in which he expected to capture Louisburg, on Cape Breton, 
and conquer Canada. The colonies comjilied liberally with his de- 
mand for troops, so that on his departure for Halifax, en route for 
Louisburg, he left an anny of six thousand men under General 
Webb for operations against the enemy. Sir Charles Hardy, the 
Governor of New York, being an admiral in the British navy, as- 
sumed the command of the fleet destined for Louisburg, and left 
the government of New York in the charge of Lieutenant-Governor 
De Lancey. Before reaching Louisburg it appears General Loudoun 
came to the conclusion that he could not capture that fortress with 
the forces he had with him, and at once abandoned the attempt. 

The operations of General Webb in command of the forces left 
him by General Loudoun were not only disgraceful, but savored 
strongly of cowardice, if not something worse. He was at Fort 
Edward with a force of four thousand men. Colonel Hunroe, 
another British officer, was at Fort William Henry, at the head of 
Lake George, fourteen miles distant, with three thousand men. 
The French general, Hontcalm, finding that Louisburg was in no 
danger, turned his attention to Fort William Henry, and ap- 
proached with a reported force of nine thousand men. Upon such 



136 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

intention being discovered word was at once despatched from the 
aiTny at the north to Albany, and the governor for re -enforcements, 
and Munroe called upon Webb, his superior officer, to re-enforce 
him. 

When Montcalm arrived before the fort, he at once demanded 
its surrender. Munroe, notwithstanding the overwhelming forces 
opposed to him, refused, expecting, as he had a right to expect, 
re-enforcements from his commanding officer. 

The siege and battle were begun, and continued for six days 
without interruption. Colonel Munroe transmitted daily, to his 
superior officer at Fort Edward, requests for re-enforcements. They 
were not forwarded. The troops under Webb, as well as the re-en- 
forcements arriving at Fort Edward, iirged and clamored to be 
sent, but Webb refused. Thiis the large body of troops at Fort 
Edward were kept in idleness, while their comrades, almost within 
hail, were left to be butchered and murdered by the savages. 

On -the sixth day the Marquis de Montcalm renewed his demand 
upon Colonel Munroe for surrender, and accompanied it with a 
letter from Webb to Munroe, which lie claimed to have intercepted. 
The letter from Webb advised Munroe to surrender. Munroe thus 
tinding that there was no hope of any assistance from Fort Edward, 
and his ammunition being exhausted, was compelled to capitulate. 
The terms of the capitulation were substantially as follows : the 
soldiers were to surrender their arms, march out with their bag- 
gage, with the honors of war, to Fort Edward, and be provided with 
a sufficient escort for their protection against the Indians, and they 
were not to serve against the French for eighteen montlis. 

The escort provided was either inefficient or insufficient, and, 
perhaps, both ; for as soon as the Indians saw the troops divested 
of their arms, and carrying their baggage, they at once rushed 
upon, robbed and murdered, or cai-ried off, to a captivity worse than 
death, at least fifteen hundred men. The Indians of the garrison 
were aU either killed at once or reserved for torture. The rest of 
the garrison escaped, some by refuge and concealment in the 
woods, and the rest with the escort. It is said that Montcalm was 
on the point of abandoning the siege when the intei'cepted letter 
came into his hand ; he then renewed his demand for surrender, 
wliich resulted as above. 

Such was the inglorious termination of the campaign of 1757, 
throwing discredit and dishonor ujjon the English. The prov- 
inces, the governmental officers, and their troops were anxious to 
do their duty, but, hampered by inefficiency, if not worse, in 
the commanding, haughty, self-sufficient Briton, they could do 
nothing. 

As soon as advised that there was apprehension of danger at 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. VS7 

Fort William Henry, Governor De Lancey at once ordered re-enforce- 
ments and troops to be despatched from the river counties, and 
they were forwarded with all possible speed. The following-named 
officers, many of them from Ulster County, went with their com- 
mands, proceeded as far as Fort Edward, and reported themselves 
for duty to the general in command, and remained there until dis- 
charged. Many of them had been forwarded on sloops from Kings- 
ton as far as the river could be used for that purpose. 

Captains Thomas Allison, William Nealy, Johannis Newkirk, 
Jonathan Hasbrouck, Johannis Hardenbergh, William Borland, 
Jacob Hoornbeek, Stephen Nottingham, Evert Wynkoop, Cor- 
nelius Van Buren, Tobias Wynkoop, John Van Dusen, Josiah 
Eltinge, Arnout Velie, Henry Rosecrans, Isaac Delamater, Hen- 
dricus Hermans, Samuel Jackson, Francis Nebar, Robert Embree, 
Francis Brett, Daniel Bums, Cornelius Leyder, Thomas Smyth, 
David Marson, and James Smyth ; Lieutenants Johannis Snyder, 
Jr., Wilhelmus Houghteling, John Brinckerhoff, Peter Du Bois, 
and Jacob W. Vrooman. Joseph Gasherie went as clerk of Colonel 
Hardenbergh' s regiment. 

Colonel Thomas Ellison, of New Windsor, on the 1st of NoA^em- 
ber, 17o7, wrote a communication in regard to some matters con- 
nected with the expedition from Ulster County for the relief of 
Fort William Henry, from which the following extracts are in- 
serted : 

" It is but too well known, by the late numerous murders, bar- 
barously committed on our borders, that the county of Ulster and 
north end of Orange is become the only frontier part of the Prov- 
ince that is unguarded and exposed to the cruel incursions of the 
Indian enemy ; and the inhabitants of those parts have been 
obliged to perfonn very hard military duty for these two years past 
in ranging the woods and guarding the frontiers — those two coun- 
ties keeping out, almost constantly from fifty to an hundred men 
sometimes by forced detachments, out of the Militia ; and other 
times men in pay by voluntary subscription, nay oftener two 
hundred men, which has been an insupportable burden on the poor 
people and has drove all the young men out of the Country. And 
yet the whole of the Militia of these parts were ordered to March 
to Fort Edward, while the officers had no orders to leave a detach- 
ment to guard the frontiers. So orders were given for the whole 
to March. But one might as well have torn a man asunder, as to 
have comjjelled those who lived in the very outside houses to leave 
their wives and children to become a sacrifice to worse than wolves. 
However the generality of them marched, and that as soon as it was 
possible to get so scattered a people together. And I must say for 
the three hundi'ed, who went out of the little distressed second 



138 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



regiment of Ulster, that men never marched with more cheerfnl- 
ness and resolution ; and had not the wind proved unfavorable 
towards the end of their passage to Albany they would have been 
at fort Edward a day before Port Wm. Henry surrendered. When 
the wind failed us every man labored at the oars, and when we 
arrived at Albany made no stay there. . . . But every one 
both officers and men packed their bundles on their backs, and the 
Colonel, though an old man and afflicted with Rheumatism, 
marched on foot with his musket on his shoulder at the head of 
his men ; and waded through rivers crotch deep, and in two very 
hot days marched from Albany to Fort Edward, in less time I 
believe, than troops ever marched it before. Some of the men in- 
deed dropped by the way, not being able to hold out, and in gen- 
eral all complained that the officers marched too hard for them. 
When we reached the camp opposite Fort Edward, we heard the 
melancholy news of the surrender of Fort William Henry, which 
could not but affect the spirits of every one. . . . When Sir 
Wm. Johnson informed them that an advanced party of the enemy 
lay between the two Forts, and desired such as had courage to 
fight to go voluntarily with him to rout them, the whole camp in 
less than an hour got under arms, and waded up to their middles 
in water through Hudson River to Fort Edward with all the life 
and courage imaginable. Scarce could any be persuaded to stay 
in the camp to take care of what was left there. No one exam- 
ined into the probability of success, but placing confidence in the 
judgment of commanders they left that to them. The last of the 
Militia had not got well through the river before the attempt was 
thought too hazai'dous, whereupon we were ordered immediately 

back to our camp. . . . 

" Thomas Ellison." 

The following officers, with detachments under their command, 
having been detailed by their commanding officers, were engaged 
more or less scouting and scouring along the western frontier of 
Ulster County during the year 1757 : 

Captain Matthew Ray, with his company of rangers. 

Captain William Nealy and his company of rangers. 

Captains Johannis Newkirk, Johannis Bniyn, Stephen Not- 
tingham, Johannis Crispell, Cornelius Van Buren, Benjamin Low, 
and Jacobus Low. 

Lieutenants William Faulkner, William Burr, Jacobus Depuy, 
Jr., and Abraham Deyo. 

Ensigns Jacob Schoonmaker and Isaac Davis. 

Serf/eants Abraham Post, Joseph Becker, George Gallaspy, 
James Crawford, Thomas Simeral, Jacobus Osterhoudt, La-mbert 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 139 

Van Valkenbnrgli, Moses Read, Daniel Butterfield, George Booth, 
Petrns Schoonmaker, Jacob Giles, Joshua Conklin, Patrick Hogan, 
William Ellsworth, John Simpson, and Johannis Snyder. 

Corporals Jacob Terwilliger and .John Yonngs. 

Captain Porter, with his company of rangers, was detached to 
range and guard the frontier in December, 1757, and January and 
Februaiy, 17iiS, and Jacob Low, Johannis Freer, Philip Schoon- 
maker, Anthony Dumond, and Sylvanus Van Etten were detailed, 
and served as their guides. 

About ten o' clock in the morning of October 12th, 1757, while 
Petrus Jans Saxe and two sons were on his farm, in the vicinity of 
what is now called Homowack in the town of Warwasing, a band 
of predatory Indians made a sudden attack on his house and 
family. There were three rangers stationed there at the time, two 
of whom, with one daughter, were killed before the doors of the 
dwelling could be closed. The remaining soldier, assisted by 
Saxe's wife and two daughters, made a good defence, and finally 
drove the savages off, when he conducted the women in safety 
to the residence of Charles Brodhead at Leuren Kill, which was 
used as a fort. The father and sons were absent on the farm at 
the time, and not injured. 

The trustees of the corporation of Kingston at a meeting held by 
them on tlie 27th day of January, 1757, appointed one of their 
number, Cornelius Jansen, as a committee, to make arrangements 
for a convenient watch-house, which was done, and the house 
rented of Isaac Decker for use of the military. On the ISth day 
of October, 1757, they resolved to send ten men, at their own ex- 
pense, to act as scouts and patrol the woods belonging to the cor- 
poration, to see if there were any hostile Indians or Frenchmen to 
be discovered, and to continiie until further orders under the 
command of the colonel or next commanding ofhcer of the regi- 
ment. The employment of the men and management of the busi- 
ness was intrusted to two of their number, Petrus Dumont and 
Edward Whitaker. 

They further directed the purchase of one hundred pounds of 
powder, and lead in pi'oportion, for the use of the corporation 
whenever it might be needed. On the 4th of November, 1757, they 
renewed their arrangement with Isaac Decker for the use of las 
house as a guard-house, he to furnish the same with fuel and 
candle-light for use of the soldiers. 

The trustees having in November, 1754, sent to England for a 
fire-engine, the same was received in the spring of 1757, and at a 
meeting held in May, 1757, they agreed with William Eltinge to 
take care of the same, " and to clean and grease and keep the same 
in good order." 



140 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Adam Persen was on the 4th of November, 1757, authorized to 
procure fifteen hundred brick and fifteen hundred shingles for a 
block-house. On the 18th of November Adam Persen, Anthony 
Hoffman, and Johannis Snyder were appointed by the trustees to 
confer and consult with Captain Porter and his officers, who com- 
manded the company of rangers appointed by the colonial author- 
ities to range the colonial borders, as to their lodging, and in what 
manner they should be billeted and provided for. On the 21st of 
November, 1757, the trustees ordered that Conrad Crook, Conrad 
Joost, and Hendrick Myer be moved out of the house they live in 
to some other quarters at the expense of the trustees, until Captain 
Porter leaves Avith his command. And the trustees appointed 
Adain Persen and Anthony Hoffman as a committee to make 
needed repairs, provide household furniture, and other needed 
matters to the officers, as they might request, in the best manner 
they were able. They were also subsequently directed to provide 
the officers and soldiers with firewood. On the 14th of December, 
1757, the trustees appointed Adam Swart and Cornelius Low a 
committee to procure and provide a house for a hospital, and to 
furnish it with necessary beds and bedding. 

On the 22d of November, 1757, the trustees passed an ordinance, 
providing ' ' that if any negro or mulatto slave or slaves shall be 
found in the streets of Kingston after 9 O'clock at night, without a 
lighted lantern, or an order from his or her master, that such slave 
or slaves shall be whipt, unless such master or mistress pay three 
shillings to save his or her back." 

Fortunately for British success in America, the year 1758 wit- 
nessed a change in the English ministry. Pitt's star was in the 
ascendant, and that was the signal for more activitj^ and talent, 
and less bluster in command of his Majesty's forces in the prov- 
inces. Lord Loudoun was at once superseded, and the provincial 
governments were assured that Great Britain would send naval and 
land forces sufficient for offensive measures against the French, 
and the conquest of Canada, together with necessary ammunition 
and supplies. 

On the 24th day of March, 1758, the legislature of the province 
of New York passed a law entitled ' ' an act for raising, paying, 
and clothing two thousand six hundred and eighty effective men, 
officers included, toward forming an army of twenty thousand 
men, with the forces of the neighboring colonies, to invade the 
French possessions in Canada in conjunction with a bodj^ of his 
Majesty's regular troops, and other purposes therein mentioned." 
The act designated the quota of Ulster to be two hundred and 
twenty-eight effective men. 

Lord Loudoun's departure unfortunately left General Aber- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 141 

orombie as the senior or rankins: ofBcer in command in America. 
The British Heet, under Admiral Boscawen, ari'ived at Halifax 
early in the season with twelve thousand British troops under 
General Amherst, with General Wolfe second in command, but 
junior in rank to Abercrombie. 

The campaign of 1758 opened with an army of fifty thousand 
men prepared for the invasion of Canada, of which twenty-two 
thousand were regular disciplined troops of Great Britain. 

Generals Amlierst and Wolfe, with their twelve thousand men, 
laid siege to Louisburg, and reduced it in the month of July. 

The commanding general, Abercrombie, with seven thousand 
English regular troops and ten thousand provincials, undertook 
the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They passed through 
Lake George in boats, and then marched toward Fort Ticonderoga. 
The commander-in-chief undertook to take the place by assault 
and without cannon, but his forces were repulsed with great loss, 
and a retreat ordered, which was followed by a precipitate and dis- 
astrous flight. The loss of the English, in killed, wounded, and 
missing, was nearly two thousand. 

Colonel Bradstreet, a provincial officer, procured from General 
Abercrombie his consent to attack Fort Froutenac on Lake On- 
tario. He was allowed three thousand troops for that purpose, 
including one hundi'ed and thirty-five regulars and thirty royal 
artillery. The rest were all provincial troops, including one thou- 
sand one hundred and twelve from New York. The first detach- 
ment of New York troops was under Lieutenant-Colonel Charles 
Clinton, of Ulster County. The second was commanded by Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Isaac Corse, of Queens County, which included 
the company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Sealy, of Ulster 
County. 

Colonel Bradstreet proceeded, without any unnecessary delay, 
by the way of the Mohawk River, Wood Creek, the Oneida Lake, 
and Onondaga River to Oswego. He embarked on Lake Ontario 
in open boats, and landed within a mile of the fort on the 25th of 
August. On the 27th he opened his batteries, and the place was 
surrendered, containing a large number of cannon and mortars, 
and a great quantity of military stores, provisions, and merchan- 
dise. He then returned, leaving a garrison at the carrying- place, 
now Rome. 

In November Fort Du Quesne surrendered to General Forbes, 
and its name was changed to Fort Pitt, in honor of the English 
premier. So that the campaign of 1758 closed with the triumph of 
the British and colonial arms in all the expeditions save that of the 
commander-in-chief against Ticonderoga. 

On the 2d day of October, 1758, the trustees of Kingston made 



142 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

arrangements and appointed a committee to bnild a block-liouse, 
24 X 15 feet in aize inside, on the frontier. 

In the year 1758 Lieutenant Patrick Sutherland and his com- 
pany were, under orders of the lieutenant-governoi', posted in 
block-houses numbers one and two on the Ulster and Orange 
County frontier. 

Sergeant Richard Johnson was detached with his command, 
giiarding the provisions, to block-house number three. 

The following-named officers, with their commands, were detailed 
scouring the western frontier of Ulster County in 175cS, as follows : 
In March, Lieutenants Hendi'iciis, Van Keuren, and James Kain. 

In March and April, Captains Thomas Ellis, Joseph Draton, 
Ebenezer (redney, Gilbert Draton, John N. Smith, Johannis New- 
kirk, James Fullon, Robert Livingston, Jr., and Frederick Kirke, 
Ensign John Brouk. 

In May, Captains Andries Truax and Daniel Campbell, Lieu- 
tenants Johannis S. Freeman and Hendrick Hansen. Captain 
Peter AVagonen and his command wei'e out on several expeditions 
during the year, but dates are unknown. 

On the 16th of December, 1758, Governor De Lancey dissolved 
the Assembly for the reason that the time was so near when it 
must expire by the limitation of the septennial act, and as the 
orders in regard to the next campaign had not yet been received 
from England, the despatch of public business would be i)romoted 
by an immediate dissolution. The new Assembly convened on the 
31st of January, 1759, and Abraham Hasbrouck and Jacobus Bruyn 
were returned as members from Ulster County. 

General Amherst, for the campaign of 1759, succeeded the un- 
fortunate Abercrombie as commander-in-chief, and to him, with 
twelve thousand troops, was assigned the capture of Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point. After their capture he was directed to proceed 
and join General Wolfe, who, with the fleet and eight thousand 
soldiers, was to ascend the St. Lawrence and attack Quebec. Gen- 
eral Prideaux was assigned to proceed against Fort Niagara, and 
after its capture join the generals below. Genei'al Stanwix was 
assigned to protect the northern frontier. 

On the 7th of March, 1759, the New York Legislature passed 
" an act for raising a supply of one hundred thousand pounds for 
levying, i)aying and clothing two thousand six hundred and eighty 
effective men, officers included, for forming with the forces of the 
neighboring colonies an army of twenty thousand men to invade, 
with a body of his Majesty's regular troops, the French posses- 
sions in Canada, and for emitting bills of credit for the like sum 
and for sinking and cancelling the said bills in short periods." 

The several expeditions as planned were all successful, leaving 
at the end of the campaign Montreal alone of all the important 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 143 

jjlaces in the hands of the French. Wolfe, Avithout the assistance 
of any of the other generals, accomplished the capture of Quebec, 
but with the sacrifice of his life. After he received his fatal wound, 
he lived long enough to hear the victorious shouts — "TheyHy," 
"they fly." He asked, " Who fly f On being answered, "The 
French," he said : "I die content," and almost instantly expired. 

Montcalm, the French commander, was also mortally wounded. 
When he heard the British shouts of victory, and was told he could 
only survive a few hours, he replied in French : "So much the bet- 
ter ; I shall not then live to see the sun-ender of Quebec." 

The following-named officers, with the commands under them, 
detached principally from the companies under command, re- 
spectively, of Captains Smedes, Hasbrouck, Newkirk, Harden- 
bergli. Hays, Jonathan Sweet and Johannis Bevier, served on 
scouring expeditious at different times during the war, and most 
of them more or less every year, but particulars cannot be given. 
Johannis Roosa, Barent Eoosa, Abraham Smedes, Hendrick Van 
Demark ; Lieutenants Samuel Denton, Lewis Du Bois, Johannis 
Kraus, Jacob W. Vrooman, James Kain ; Sergeants Abraham 
TerwiUiger, Peter Mullendee, Isaac Fowler, Jelnla Clark, Ben- 
jamin Constable, Benjamin Comfort, Benjamin Klaarwater, Cor- 
nelius "Kool, George Burn, John Burn, John Barnes, James Gal- 
laspy, Sampson Sammons ; Corporals Joseph Decker, Isaac Ter- 
wiUiger, John McLean ; Ensigns Cornelius Schoonmaker, James 
Clinton, Samuel Sands, Matthew Rae, David Craig, Nathan Hill. 

Thus tenuinated the campaign of 17.39, leaving Montreal the 
only post of importance in the hands of the French. 

In the mouth of June, 1759, the governor was informed by the 
general commanding, that the service Avas in great distress for the 
want of money, and the incapacity of the contractors agents to 
supply the same. He thereupon convened the Assembly to meet 
on the 26th of June. The Assembly met on that day, and in re- 
sponse to the recommendation of the governor, and the request of 
the commanding general, at once passed a bill entitled " An act 
for emitting bills of Credit of this Colony to the amount of £150,000 
on loan, to enable his Majesty' s General to discharge the debts con- 
tracted for the public service, in jireparing to invade the French 
possessions in North America." These bills were made redeem- 
able -within twelve months after date, and emitted upon the credit 
of bills of exchange drawn by the deputy paymaster-general of his 
Majesty's forces in North America, upon the paymaster-general 
for the like sum. The law was perfected and signed by the gov- 
ernor on July 3d, 1759, and the house adjourned. 

The Assembly was again called together on the 17th of October, 
1759, when the governor informed them that he had called them 
together at that time as provision had only been made for the pay 



144 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

of the provincial ti'oops tintil the 1st of November, and the exigen- 
cies of the service demanded their continuance at least one month 
longer, and requesting the necessary provision for pay and sup- 
plies to that end. The house made the necessary provision and 
adjourned. 

They were again convened on the 12tli of March, 1760, and in 
obedience to the demands of the English ministry, passed a bill 
for "levying, paying, and clothing 2680 effective men, officers in- 
cluded, toward forming an army of 20,000 men with forces of the 
neighboring Colonies, to reduce in conjunction with his Majesty's 
regular forces, Montreal and other posts belonging to the French 
in Canada, and for emitting bills of credit for £60,000." This re- 
quired a yearly assessment iipon Ulster County of five hundred 
and seventy-five pounds for eight years. 

On the 30th day of July, 1760, Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey 
expired very suddenly in his study at New York, seated in his 
chair. He was undoubtedly a man of talents and many virtues. 
He justly escaped all suspicion of enriching himself by misappro- 
priating and embezzling the public funds, so freely charged, and 
in most cases truly, against nearly every English governor that pre- 
ceded him. The English Uovernnient sought to prohibit the col- 
onies from issuing bills of credit, without which the colony of New 
York never could have maintained the enormous war expenditures 
with which it had been burdened ; he skilfully managed to evade 
the prohibition, as well as relieve them from the order against 
annual supplies. 

Governor De Lancey was succeeded by Dr. Cadwallader Colden, 
a resident of Ulster County, who was the oldest member of the 
council. 

The campaign of 1760 was under the command of General Am- 
herst, as commander-in-chief. Marquis de Levis, the French com- 
mander, made an unsuccessful attempt to retake Quebec, and upon 
its failure retreated to Montreal. Monsieur Vandruiel, the French 
Governor-General of Canada, collected around him the entire 
French forces at that post to make his final stand against the Eng- 
lish. The English genei'al, Amherst, so arranged the expedition 
against Montreal, that his entire forces in three columns from dif- 
ferent directions appeared before that city at the same time. 

The French governor, thus surrounded by overwhelming forces, 
capitulated, and the English acquired the vast country of Canada. 
This, of course, relieved the colonists from their offensive and 
dangerous French neighbors, and the reign of peace followed to 
the colonists in this vicinity, although the Indians, fearing the 
ultimate triumph of the white man, sounded the warwhoop for 
several years in other portions of the frontier settlements. 



CHAPTER X. 

FROM THE DEATH OF LIEUTEISTANT-GOVERNOR DE LANCET, IN 1760, 
TO THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE CONTINENTAL CONVENTION, IN 
1775. 

CADWALLADER GOLDEN, as senior member of the council, 
upon the death of Governor De Lancey, assumed the govern- 
ment of the province, and removed from his farm and residence in 
Ulster County, to the Government house in Fort George, in the 
city of I^ew York. 

The Assembly was convened by him on the 22d day of October, 
1760. In his message to that body he referred in fitting terms to 
the death of the late Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey, and paid an 
appropriate tribute to his memory. Then, after congratulating 
the Assembly upon the result of the vs^ar, and the acquisition of 
Canada, he called its attention to some matters of necessary legis- 
lation. 

The Assembly in its reply, after noticing the subjects referred 
to in the message, gave this palpable hit at the former action of 
the British Government in the sun-ender of Nova Scotia, after its 
conquest mainly by the colonists and at the expense of their blood 
and treasure. 

" We cannot, on this memorable occasion, refrain from express- 
ing the pleasure we feel in reflecting that, with the unanimous 
approbation of our constituents, we have neglected nothing, in our 
power, towards accomplishing this glorious event ; so neither shall 
any consideration induce us to regret the blood and treasure ex- 
pended in facilitating this inestimable acquisition, save only, to 
which we are confident, the wisdom and lienor of the Nation will 
never deign to submit, the surrender of this most important con- 
quest, which, in the possession of the Crovrn, must prove to 
Britain the source of immense riches." 

The House, after passing some few necessary laws, adjourned 
on the 8th of November, 1760. On account of the death of the 
king writs for the election of a new Assembly were issued, return- 
able the 3d day of March, 1761. Jacobus Bruyn and Abraham 
Hasbrouck were returned as members from Ulster County. 

The Assembly was convened on the 11th of March, 1761. On 
10 



146 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the 19th of October, of the same year, a commission arrived ap- 
pointing General Monckton Govei'nor of the province, and he 
assumed the office on the 26th of the same month. He remained 
only until the 15th of November, when he embarked with the 
British amiy for the island of Martinique, and left Lieutenant- 
Governor Golden in command. 

As soon as the English Government was relieved from its war 
with France, and had, through the military and financial assistance 
of the colonies, added Canada to her colonial possessions, her min- 
istry initiated a series of measures in regard to the colonies tend- 
ing to create unnecessary and disturbing issues. 

The New York Assembly was convened on the 3d of March, 
1762. Lieutenant-Governor Golden, in his message at the opening 
of the Assembly, recommended to them to raise the same number 
of men as they had done the previous yeai-, to be formed into regi- 
ments and employed in North America. He then proceeded as 
follows : 

" I am, in obedience to his Majesty's command, likewise to 
recommend that you will provide for the raising of 479 men, . . . 
which number is the quota of this Province, . . . towards com- 
pleting the regular regiments which have been sent to America 
for the defence and protection of his Majesty's subjects there." 

To this request the Assembly, on the 13th of March, replied : 
' ' That the house of the General Assembly cannot, consistent with 
the trust reposed in them, provide for the levying of any regular 
forces ; it being a custom interwoven in the constitution of this 
colony, for the inhabitants thereof to provide for defending them- 
selves only by their Militia, and to serve his Majesty, in all attacks 
on the enemy, by Provincial forces raised for a limited time." 

Thus was that demand met with a proper and firm refusal. 

The English officers of the navy apparently came to these shores 
with an exalted idea of their superiority over the provincials, and 
took frequent occasions to provoke and irritate. Notwithstand- 
ing the existence of an express prohibitory statute against the im- 
pressment of English subjects upon the English war vessels, the 
naval officers without hesitation, and at times to suit their conveni- 
ence, impressed whom they chose, and compelled them to serve on 
board their vessels. 

One officer, at least, in New York, was appropriately treated. He 
impressed four seamen, took and imprisoned them on board his 
ship, and refused to surrender them. The first time he came 
ashore with his boat, he was seized by a party of men who had 
watched their oiiportunity, and his boat was carried off upon their 
shoulders. He was compelled to sign an order for the release of 
the men he had imprisoned, which he did. That was soon carried 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 147 

by some of tlie party to the vessel, the men were released, and 
brought in triumph to the land. The man-of-war boat served, with 
a number of tar-barrels, for a large bonfire on the plain where 
the City Hall now stands. 

They also required boats, when passing any man-of-war lying in 
the harbor, to salute, by lowering a flag or by some other mode. If 
that was neglected, their attention was called to it by a blank car- 
tridge ; if it was not then done, they were saluted by a shotted 
gun. A woman in New York harbor was killed by one of those 
balls,'W"hich was fii'ed directly at the boat in which she was sitting. 
Upon complaint to the governor, all the satisfaction received was 
the information that he had no jurisdiction, as it was not on land, 
but in the harbor that the offence was committed, and the com- 
plaint must be made in England. 

The English Government imposed heavy and almost prohibitory 
duties upon importations. This naturally gave rise to smuggling 
as the mode of evading their payment. The English officer placed 
to collect the duties, complained to the home government. This 
was followed by armed cruisers swanning along the coast. In- 
f oiTOers were, of course, promised a valuable share in the profits of 
the seizure and forfeiture. There were few who dared enter the 
role of an informer, as they were very sure of enduring the penalty 
of one or more coats of tar and feathers, with the unconcealed con- 
temj)t of their neighbors. The tendency of all this was to nurture, 
encourage, and increase estrangement and dislike on the part of 
the colonists toward his Majesty' s government. 

The requirement that all duties should be paid in sjiecie had a 
most depressing and injurious effect upon the colonial finances and 
bills of credit. It at once depreciated the value of its bills of 
credit, and hampered the colony by drawing specie from the coun- 
try in procuring the necessary means to make their redemptions 
as the bills of credit became due. Those bills had been issued to 
procure means to conduct the war against the Indians and the 
French for the peculiar benefit and advantage of the English Gov- 
ernment. 

The policy of the British Government had also a damaging effect 
upon the resources of the colonial mercantile interest in- crippling 
its ability to make remittances to England, by cutting off its trade 
with the French and Spanish provinces. This was done in 1764 
by the imposition of i^rohibitory duties upon articles imported 
from the West Indies. This trade had been the source of great 
profit to the colonial merchants for a long time, and had furnished 
them with a very large i^roportion of the specie transmitted to 
England. 

About this time, March, 1764, WiUiam Smith, who was not long 



148 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

after appointed chief -justice for New York under the king, wrote 
a letter touching iipon political affairs to Horatio Gates, who was 
then in England, and refeiTed to the condition of this coimtry. 
In that letter occiirs this remarkable prophetical passage : " We 
are a great garden ; constant cultivation will keep down the weeds, 
but remember, they were planted by Liberty and Religion, near 
one himdred years ago, these are strong roots, they will soon despise 
the gardener's utmost strength." And so in time they did. 

A gentleman residing in Ulster County, in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of Kingston, and a very prominent public man in his day, 
Charles De Witt, of Greenkill, referred to the great financial distress 
at that time in a private letter written by him to a friend, Jeremiah 
Day, under date of April 5th, 1765. He says: "Nothing but 
darkness, I cannot say Egyptian darkness, for the great source of 
light continues its wonted course, and nature once more, in all 
probability, wiU adorn this earth ... I mean the times, 
which are so bad, that I am often in doubt whether or no things 
will not return to their primitive frame ; trade being so discourag- 
ing that I see nothing but destruction for many, who in all likeli- 
hood would do well in case those unheard of prohibitions to trade 
had never existed. Will not America tumble into confusion, I 
hope not, but it seems to me if it don't, some remarkable turn for 
the better will soon take place, either the one or the other. I am 
confident will inevitably happen. The wise dispensations of Prov- 
idence are best, and therefore I trust that all things in the end will 
turn out for the best, although seemingly inconsistent with our 
present good. Melancholy times, when darkness is on every side, 
religion seems to have become a plaything to promote contention 
and discord." 

The English Government, not content with the acquisition of 
the Canadas as a remuneration for the treasure spent by it in that 
behalf, and likewise regardless of the money and lives which had 
been sacrificed by the colonies to add that valuable 'jewel to the 
English crown, was determined to initiate a policy by wliich it ex- 
pected to draw from its American colonies full indemnification for 
the expenses incurred by them in the French and Indian wars in 
America, including the conquest of Canada, in addition to an 
annual revenue for the support of royalty. 

In order to accomplish this object, it made the great mistake to 
join issue with the colonies upon the question of "no taxation 
without representation." That, as has been shown in this history 
from time to time, was a principle which had been not only as- 
serted and maintained by the fathers in the early history of the 
province, but at all subsequent intervals whenever it was assailed. 
If there was any j)rinciple of government in which the American 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 149 

provincials were fullj' indoctrinated, and which lay as near, if not 
nearer to the heart than any other, it was that of "no taxation 
without i-epresentation." The English Government must have 
been well aware of this fact. But with all the pride of jjower, and 
a feeling of contempt for provincials, it determined to cany out its 
financial schemes regardless of all opposition. Its first direct at- 
tempt to raise the issue was the passage of the act of Parliament, 
in March, 1765, familiarly known as the Stamp Act, by which 
every legal proceeding, every deed, every bill of sale, every will, 
every receipt, every license, contract, or agreement of any and 
every description, reqiiired a stamp for its validity, and if not 
stamped it was declared absolutely void, and of no legal force or 
effect. As might have been anticipated, that met with universal 
condemnation and resistance throughout the entire provinces. It 
had no advocate except the king's officers, those whose duty it 
was to receive and sell the stamps. Such was the indignation and 
opposition of the people that the officials did not dare to receive 
the stamps, and much less offer them for sale. 

This was the culminating point of taxation without representa- 
tion. Imposition of duties they could avoid by non-use of the im- 
ported article. This could not be avoided, and submission to it 
was an abandonment of the whole question. 

The law was to go into effect on the 1st of November, 1765. A 
congress of deputies from nine of the colonies met in New York, 
in October, 1765. The members from New York were Robert R. 
Livingston, John Cruger, Philip Livingston, William Bayard, and 
Leonard Lispenard. At this meeting an address to the king was 
adopted and signed on the 22d of October, which set forth in strong 
terms its opjjosition to the Stamp Act ; that no taxes could be 
imposed upon them as English subjects withoiit their consent ; 
no taxation could be enforced against them without representa- 
tion, and the attempt to do that by Parliament, through the 
Stamp Act, was a subversion of their rights and liberties. 

The acts of this congress met with universal approbation 
throughout all the colonies. On the 6th of November a meeting 
was called of the citizens of New York, at which a committee of 
correspondence with the other colonies was appointed. One of 
the results of this appointment was the adoption of a measure of 
partial non-intercourse with Great Britain, by directing the Eng- 
lish merchants not to ship goods to this country until the repeal 
of the Stamp Act, and the adoption of a resolution that after the 
1st day of January, 1766, they would not seU on commission goods 
shipped by any English merchants. 

In December, 1765, Sir Henry Moore arrived in New York with 
the royal commission as governor. In a few weeks after his ar- 



150 HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 

rival there was brought an instalment of stamps. As soon as this 
was known, a party of citizens, armed, went at midnight to the 
wharf where the vessel lay, boarded and searched the brig 
until they found the ten boxes in which the stamps were con- 
tained, took possession of them, and removed them to the 
shipyards on the East River, where Catharine Street now is. 
There they made a bonfire of them with some tar-barrels, and after 
their entire consumption retired to their homes to rest. 

Regardless of the acts of Parliament, matters progressed as 
usual in the courts and elsewhere in the transaction of all kinds 
of business without stamps, and no one dreamed of questioning 
the legality of such proceedings. If any one had attempted to set 
up the act in opposition, he would probably have been treated 
with an extra coat of tar and feathers. Marriage licenses were no 
longer called for, and those important contracts were formed and 
perfected without them. 

The British Government, startled by the detennined action of 
the colonies, found it the pi'ovince of pi'udence to yield, and not 
attempt the enforcement of the act. It was therefore repealed in 
March, 1766. But this repeal was followed by a declaratory act of 
Parliament afiirming their right to tax the colonies in all cases. 

Sir Henry Moore, as governor, convened the Assembly on the 
19th day of November, 1765. On the 9th day of December he sent 
a message to the Assembly, infonning it that by an act of Parlia- 
ment the respective colonies were required to bear the expense of 
furnishing the king' s troops in America with quarters, carriages, 
and other necessaries. The act tlius referred to by the governor 
was styled the " Mutiny Act," and applied to any troops the king- 
might choose to quarter at any place within the colony. Ah-eady 
the number of troops had been increased in New York, ostensibly 
on account of the opposition to the Stamp Act, and more were ex- 
pected, as General Gage, the commander-in-chief, made New York 
his headquarters. 

On the 27th of June, 1766, the Assembly informed the governor 
that it would furnish the barracks of New York and Albany with 
bedding, firewood, candles, and utensils for cooking for two bat- 
talions, not exceeding five hundred men each, and would not do 
any more. This refusal to comply with the full requirements of 
the mutiny act occasioned great feeling in Parliament, and as a 
compulsory measure it passed an act prohibiting the Legislature 
of New York from passing any law iintil the mutiny act was 
complied with. The Assembly denied the authority of Parliament 
to suspend, abridge, or annul its powers ; that it could only be in- 
terfered with through the action of the crown, by prorogation or 
dissolution. It further declared that it had the ria-ht to corre- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 151 

spond with citizens or representatives of the other colonies, and 
that a committee of its members sliould be appointed to correspond 
during recess with any of his Majesty's subjects. 

This independent action of the New York Assembly was soon 
followed by the passage in Parliament, almost unanimously, and 
without any show of opposition, of an act introduced by Mr. 
Charles Townsend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, imposing 
duties on tea, glass, paper, and painters' colors imported into the 
colonies from Great Britain. Tliis action of Parliament had no 
other effect in the provinces than to increase the exasperation, 
and Parliament soon became convinced of the wisdom of its re- 
peal ; but, in order that it might not be construed into an abandon- 
ment of the right to tax, Parliament, when repealing all the other 
duties, retained and continued a duty of threepence per pound 
upon tea, under the supposition that the tax was so light it would 
be overlooked. But the colonists saw the trap, and were deter- 
mined not to abandon the princiiale at issue, however small the tax 
might be. The drinking of tea was at once abandoned, and those 
who had it on hand were not allowed to sell it. 

Soon after the news of this threepenny tax was received at New 
York, it was ascertained that a vessel laden with a large amount 
of tea was on its way from England to that city. The citizens 
were determined to prevent its being landed, and concerted meas- 
ures to that end. They watched for the arrival of the shij), and 
the pilots were notified not to bring it into the harbor, but to keep 
it outside. On its arrival the ship was boarded by a committee of 
citizens, and the captain was notified not to land. On being ap- 
prised of the state of public feeling in New York, he anchored his 
vessel near Sandy Hook, and came to the city to see the consignee. 
He declined to receive the tea, and advised the captain not to at- 
tempt to land it. 

The lieutenant-governor pyroposed that it should be landed and 
stored in the fort until some arrangement could be made. To 
that the citizens strongly objected ; they would consent to nothing 
except its return or destruction, and the captain was compelled to 
take his cargo back to the place whence he came. 

About the same time it was ascertained that a vessel had ar- 
rived having a few chests of tea on board. A committee at once 
visited the vessel, and asked the captain if he had any tea on 
board ; he said that he had not. They told him that they had sat- 
isfactory evidence that he had, and then they proceeded to search 
the vessel, and found eighteen boxes of the contraband article. 
The boxes were at once broken open and their contents emj)tied 
into the river. 

Aside from the difficulties arising upon this question of prin- 



152 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

ciple, bitter feelings were engendered between the citizens and the 
English forces, both military and naval, through the overbearing 
and contemptuous demeanor of the English officers and their com- 
mands. Collisions between the soldiery and citizens were not in- 
frequent. Liberty poles erected by the citizens were cut down by 
the soldiers, occasioning broils and contention. 

Officers upon English war-ships in the harbors requii'ed Ameri- 
can vessels to lower their pennants as an acknowledgment of inferi- 
ority. If not done a blank shot was tired as a demand ; if that was 
not heeded, a cannon-ball was sent to enforce obedience. One 
affair of that kind in New York Harbor resulted in the death of a 
child in her nurse' s arms on board a pleasure-boat. 

In Providence River, a packet boat running from NeAvport to 
Providence was fired into for refusing or neglecting to lower its 
flag, and chased up the river until the British ship ran aground. 
That night some indignant Americans armed themselves, boarded 
and seized the vessel named the Gaspe, set the officers and men on 
shore, and burned the vessel to the water's edge. 

The following incident connected with the burning of the 
Gaspe, which occurred to Admiral Montague, who commanded 
the British ships of war at Boston, when he was returning from a 
visit of inquiry into the destruction of the vessel, is strongly illus- 
trative of the character and feelings of the Americans at that 
period. The admiral was on his return from New^^iort to Boston, 
with several of his officers, just after the burning of the schooner, 
when the progress of his coach, not far from Dedham, was ob- 
structed by a charcoal cart. The coachman, feeling very conse- 
quential in driving a British admiral, and knowing that his master 

had an engagement to dine with Mr. B , called out in a very 

insolent manner to the collier to turn out and make way for Ad- 
miral Montague. The collier replied that he was on the king's 
highway, and would not turn out for any one except the king him- 
self, and thanked fortune that he had the law to support him. 
The admiral, perceiving there was an altercation, and discovering 
the cause, ordered his coachman to get down and give the man a 
thrashing ; but the coachman did not seem inclined to obey the 
order. One of the officers in the coach, a large, athletic man, 
alighted, reproaclied the coachman with being a coward, and was 
proceeding to take vengeance on the coal-driver, who, perceiving so 
formidable an adversary advancing, drew from his cart a stake, 
and placing liimseK between his oxen in an attitude of defence, 
said, ' ' Well, I vow, if I must, darn me but I' U tarnish your laced 
jacket if you don't keep off." By this time the admiral and other 
officers had left the coach, and, finding that no laurels were to be 
gained in such a contest, the admiral made a conciliatory pi'oposi- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 153 

tion and condescended to ask as a favor what he had ordered his 
coachman to obtain by force. " Ah !" said the collier, " now you 
behave like a gentleman, as you appear, and if you had been as 
civil at first, I vow I would have driven over the stone wall to 
oblige you. But I won't be drove ; I vow I won't!" The coal- 
driver made way, and the admiral passed on. 

The admiral, on relating the story at dinner with good humor, 
api^arently much gratified at the independence of the man, was 
assured by his host that " the collier had exhibited the true char- 
acter of the American People, and that the story was an epitome 
of the dispute between Great Britain and her colonies. Let the 
king ask of us our aid, and we will grant more than he will de- 
mand, but we will not be ' drove ;' we will not be taxed by Parlia- 
ment. " 

On the 6th day of February, 1768, the Assembly was dissolved 
by Governor Moore, and writs for a new election, returnable on 
the 22d day of March, 1768, issued. When the French, with their 
Indian allies, were endeavoring to overrun the country and snatch 
it from the English grasp, marking their course with firebrands, 
torture, and death, Ulster County gave, besides her full quota of 
men and officers to fill the ranks of the defending armies, the ser- 
vices of her distinguished son, Charles Clinton, to command a por- 
tion of her forces in the field. And now when the clouds of 
oppression and tyranny were gathering thick and fast in the ho- 
rizon, and it became essential that the representatives of the people 
should not only be discreet, wise, and talented, but thoroughly 
imbued with the spirit of liberty and patriotism, the citizens of 
Ulster County, as if instilled with wisdom from on high, again 
drew upon that family, and selected one of her distinguished sons, 
George Clinton, with a fitting, able, and patriotic associate in the 
person of Charles De Witt, of Greenkill, to rejjresent them in the 
coming Assembly. These men made their mark, and exhibited the 
wisdom of the choice of their constituents not only in their capac- 
ity as representatives at that time, but in all the subsequent dis- 
tinguished positions they were called upon to occupy in the then 
near future. 

That Assembly of 1768 proved too independent to suit the rep- 
resentative of royalty, and on the 2d day of January, 1769, the 
governor dissolved it and ordered a new election. In his message 
for dissolution, among other things, he said : 

" The extraordinary nature of certain resolves, lately entered 
on your Journals, some flatly repugnant to the laws of Great 
Britain, and others with an apparent tendency to give offence, 
where common prudence would avoid it, have put it out of my 
power to continue this Assembly any longer." 



154 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

Through tlie kindness of Sutherland De Witt, of Ehnira, a de- 
scendant of the Hon. Charles De Witt, the author has been kindly 
furnished with copies of some old letters and documents, which in 
their proper order will be introduced into this work. 

The following is one of them, dii'ected to Charles De Witt and 
dated " Witts Mount Feb 1769." A part of the letter refers to the 
re-election of Mr. De Witt to the Assembly, and the other politi- 
cal portion refers to the election in Dutchess County which had not 
then taken place. The two persons specifically named as having 
votes, Hoffman and Elmendorf, owned real estate in that county, 
and could therefore vote therein : 

" Dk Cousin Charles 

' ' Your favor of the 30th Ult. I have received, but as our elec- 
tion is near at hand, which I expect will be the hottest that ever 
was in this county, makes upon that account time very scarce 
with me, so that I shall only give you a sort of general answer 
until more leisure time. I feel glad that you arrived safe home, 
after a long and tedious session, and that you found your little 
ones, with the rest of your family well. I am sorry for Mr Clin- 
ton' s severe visitation, of which I have reason of a self feeling. 

' ' I observed, that your friends would not discharge you : that 
you seemed to submit to their heavy burthen, and that your opin- 
ion was there should not be much stir concerning the same. But 
yesterday I was informed, that a resemblance of a Gunpowder plot 
was discovered on Tiiesday evening last. But the more danger 
the more honor ; I hope you got clear with whole bones. I should 
be glad to know the event. 

" Your solicitation to me, in favor of Judge Livingston, came 
too late to take effect on me. You had better use all possible 
means to discover and animate their friends in Ulster who have 
votes, as Anthony Hoffman, John Elmendorph, who else I know 
not, because I am almost a stranger to my native country, and my 
countrymen more so to me : I fear they shall be wanted, where- 
fore they should try to be at our election. At all events, I hope 
you will allow the Freeholders to give reasons, why Dirck and 
Leonard are not fit persons to represent the many thousands in 
this poor county, or else you will not like the enclosed address, 
which nevertheless I desire you will take the trouble to read, and 
after that with all possible speed, have it stuck up at the most 
public place in Kingston. 

************ 

" Farewell : Affectionate Cousin 

" P. De Witt." 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 155 

Ulster County stood by and sustained its able and patriotic 
representatives, Clinton and De Witt, by a triumphant re-election 
and return, notwithstanding the " Grunpowder plot" or Tory op- 
I)osition referred to in the preceding letter. The new Assembly 
convened on the 4th day of April, 1769. The governor at that time 
succeeded in securing an Assembly with a majority of Tory repre- 
sentatives ready to sustain his administration and the demands of 
royalty. The Whigs, however, were represented by a powerful 
minority, including George Clinton and Charles De Witt, of Ulster, 
Colonel Philip Schuyler, of Albany, Colonel Nathaniel WoodhuU, 
of Suffolk, Mr. Van Cortlandt, of Van Cortlandt Manor, John 
Thomas, of Westchester, Colonel Abraham Ten Broeck, of Rens- 
selaer, Captain Seaman, of Queens, Colonel Philip Livingston, Mr. 
Nicoll, and Mr. Boorum. The Hon. Robert R. Livingston was 
elected and returned from Livingston Manor ; but the Assembly, 
by a party vote, refused to allow him to sit because he held a com- 
mission as judge. His constituents returned him a second time ; 
he appeared and demanded his seat, he was again rejected, and the 
Manor was left without any representation. 

Chancellor Kent, in one of his productions referring to transac- 
tions of those bygone years, well said, " the leading patriots of that 
day were Colonel Schuyler, Colonel WoodhuU, and Mr. Clinton." 
The majority of that Assembly were entirely subservient to the 
dictates of royalty, and on the 28th of December, 1769, the As- 
sembly, by a party vote, passed a bill appropriating two thousand 
pounds for furnishing his Majesty's troops with necessaries. The 
vote on its passage stood, affirmative, 12 ; negative, 10. It con- 
tinued to make a similar appropriation from year to year for six 
years by the same party vote, to support troops kept in this coun- 
try for the purpose of enslaving it. 

That Assembly was the last one elected under the colonial Gov- 
ernment. It met for the first time in the spring of 1769, and a 
majority being, as befoi'e stated, subservient to royalty, it was 
prorogued, and then again convened from time to time, to suit the 
convenience and wants of the governor, up to the 3d day of April, 
177.^. It then adjourned, and was thereafter prorogued from time 
to time, but never convened. It was finally dissolved by Governor 
Tryon, on the 2d day of January, 1776, after he had fled from the 
city of New York and taken refuge on board of an English man- 
of-war lying in the harbor. 

The proceedings of the Assembly will be referred to occasionally 
as they become relevant. 

In the winter of 1771, probably owing to the great discomforts 
felt in winter travel in those early years, the attendance of a 
quorum could not be obtained. This circumstance led to an in- 



156 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

teresting letter from George Clinton to his associate, Mr. De Witt, 
dated March 8th, 1771, of which the following is a copy : 

" Deak Charles 

" Don't you think it is highly derogatory to the honor, power 
and dignity of the Body of Representatives of the good people of 
this Colony, that a majority of their members should not attend, 
and a minority attend agreeable to adjournment, adjourn over 
from day to day for a whole week, then be prorogued for another 
week without being able to do any thing. This is the case, how- 
ever, and while you think of it, tremble. You know you are one 
of the delinquents, and if the Lord had pleased, you would have 
been waited on by that tremendous man the Sergeant at arms. 
How foolish you would have looked to have been brought down 
neck and heels to have answered for your delinquency, and per- 
liaps expelled from the Unrighteous forever doomed to live at 
home among Honest men in peace. 

' ' But to be serious, the packet arrived on Saturday, brought 
no further news about war, but such as we formerly had pr via 
Boston, nor any other account that required sitting, so that on 
Monday we were prorogued to the Monday following, being the 
11th ins't, not to meet however until the receipt of a circular let- 
ter. A confirmation, by the Packet of his Lordship's (Moore) 
appointment to the Dominion of Virginia, and Mr. Tryon for this 
Colony, by a letter from Lord Hilsborough. He is loth to leave 
us, and doubt not but he has interest enough to have the appoint- 
ment changed and left to remain here, for which he has written 
home. 

" The Packet also brought an account of the repeal of four of 
our laws, to wit, the act against non residents, the act extending 
the statutes, the fifty pounds and ten pound acts. For the last 
thing I am heartily sorry. The power of Justices is now reduced 
to forty shillings and under. You remember, I told them, I feared 
this might be the case, when I moved that a committee might be 
appointed to bring in a bill to amend and continue the £5 law. 
Kissam and others would have me alter my motion to a £10 law. 
I refused and gave for reason, it might occasion the loss of both 
perhaps, and then I would incur blame. That if they chose the 
£10 bill, they might make it so in the Committee, which they did, 
and if this has brought \\\wn us the loss of the £5 law, they are 
welcome to the blame. Rather they, than me though, so much 
as I love them. However I believe there is a much better reason 
for the repeal of these, laws, for the above would only operate as 
to the £10 act, and not as to the others. I believe the true cause 
is this, the majority of our house have carried their powers high, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 157 

in maturing laws by a resolve, and new modelling the whole sys- 
tem of the Laws. That they have at length alamied the ministry, 
and Lords of Trade, and stirred up in them a sjjirit of distrust and 
enquiry, which has carried them back to look into our laws, and 
so reported all those that had any thing new in them, for the Royal 
disallowance. What confirms me in this opinion is old Golden' s 
disgrace, who played in their hands, and the severe report, previ- 
ous to the repeal of the act, disqualifying the Judges last year. 

" Van Kleeck and Ja's De Lancey may now move to New York 
and keep their seats, though non residents, and there is some rea- 
son to suspect that the repeal of that law has been solicited. Jno. 
Watts says he always thought it a bad law, as abridging the free- 
dom of elections, though he highly approved of it, when it passed 
the Council to deprive Col. Morris and Philip Livingston from sit- 
ting. Circumstances alter cases, it answered that purpose. It 
would now stand in the way of his tools. 

" Adieu Charles My love to your family. My letter will show 
I am in haste 

" Yours Most Affectionately 

"G. W. Clinton. 

"PS. The regiments have to be completed, twenty men extra 
added to each company, and a company to eacli regiment." 

England and the colonies were now fast drifting to a point 
where an appeal to arms could be the only remedy. A mine was 
being fonned which needed only the smallest spark to explode. 
England, impatient and indignant at the opposition of the colonies, 
was deteiTuined to force them to sixb mission. The colonies, on the 
other hand, raised their liberty poles and flung their motto to the 
breeze : " No taxation without representation." 

The English ministry at first directed its avenging arm wholly 
against Boston, and by blockading her port with its ships of 
war, and a large army to act in concert, thought to starve her into 
submission, although New York had shown equal obstinacy. 
Boston had emptied a cargo of tea into the salt waters of the bay, 
but New York had prevented an English ship from landing her 
cargo of the contraband article, and turned her prow homeward 
with her cargo unladen. New Yorkers also had seized a number 
of chests of tea brought there in a vessel on private account, 
emptied it into the salt waters of her harbor, and made it desirable 
for the captain bringing it to escape to England on board the Eng- 
lish tea-ship, to recount to sympathizing Englishmen his woes and 
misfortunes. There was evidently a policy in the English dealing 
thus gently with New York. Encouraged by a sympathizing gov- 
ernor and a Tory majority in the Assembly, the ministry supposed 



158 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

that New York coiild be conciliated and the colonies thiis divided. 
But her sons were not truly represented by the governor and the 
Tory representatives. The patriotic citizens of New York took the 
matter in hand independently, and apjiointed a large executive 
committee for action. They at once opened a con-espondence with 
all the colonies, to procure an early Continental Congress of dele- 
gates from all the provinces, in order to create concert of action in 
this great emergency. Pursuant to such request delegates from all 
the colonies, except Georgia, met in convention at Philadelphia on 
the 5th day of September, 1774. 

It was truly a fitting congress for such an important occasion. 
It was composed of sterling, firm, talented, and patriotic men — the 
great men of the country — men who subsequently took prominent 
and distinguished j)arts in the struggle for independence, in lay- 
ing the corner-stone of the republic, and raising and completing 
the structure —such men as the Great and All- Wise overruling 
Providence ever has in store, and brings forth for great emergen- 
cies to accomplish some great and beneficent purpose. 

The action of that Continental Congress called for such confirm- 
atory action not only on the part of the several provinces, but 
also of the inhabitants of the various townships, that a history of 
Kingston requires a statement of some of the important proceed- 
ings of that body, to show the action of this old town under its 
direction. The limits of this work do not justify the insertion of 
the entire declaration of rights and articles of association issued by 
that Congress. They deserve a place alongside of the Declaration 
of Independence in every household. The author is compelled to 
limit himself to a few extracts. 

On the 14tli day of October, 1774, after several preambles recit- 
ing the grievances of the colonies and the unjust claims and des- 
potic action of the English Government, Congress declared : 

" That the inhabitants of the English Colonies in North 
America, by the immutable laws of nature the principles of the 
English Constitution, and the several charters and compacts have 
the following rights : 



" Resolved 4th That the fojmdation of English Liberty, and 
of all free Governments is a right in the People to participate in 
their Legislative Council, and as the English colonists are not rep- 
resented, and from their local and other circumstances cannot be 
properly represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to 
a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several Provincial 
Legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be pre- 
served in all cases of taxation, and internal polity, subject only to 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 159 

the negative of their sovereign, in snrh manner as has l)een liereto- 
fore used and accustomed. But from the necessity of the case, and 
a regard to the mutual interests of both countries, we cheerfully 
consent to the operation of such acts of tlie British parliam<>nt, as 
are bona tide restrained to the regulation of our external coiniuerce, 
for the purpose of securing the commercial advantages of the 
whole empire to the mother counti'V, and the commercial benefits 
of its respective members ; excluding every idea of taxation, in- 
ternal or external, for raising a revenue on the subjects of America 
without their consent." 

After several other resolves, the Congress refer to several acts of 
Parliament as " infringements and violations of the rights of the 
Colonists, and that the re]ieal of them is essentially necessary in 
order to restore harmony between Great Britain and the American 
Colonies." 

On the 20th of October, 1774. the Congi-ess adopted a plan of 
association in which, after some recitals, it was stated that " various 
acts of Parliament have been passed for raising a revenue in 
America, — for depriving the American subjects in many instances of 
the constitutional right of trial by Jury,— exposing their lives to 
danger by directing a new and illegal trial beyond the seas, for 
crimes alleged to have been committed in Amei-ica. And in the 
prosecution of the same system several late crael and oppressive 
acts have been j^assed respecting the town of Boston and the Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, and also an act for extending the Province of 
Quebec, so as to border on the Western frontier of these Colonies, 
and establishing an arbitrary government therein. . . . 

' ' To obtain redress for these grievances, which threaten destruc- 
tion to the lives liberty, and property of his Majestys subjects in 

North America. 

************ 

'' " We do for ourselves and for the inhabitants of the several 
Colonies whom we represent, firmly agree and associate under the 
sacred ties of virtue Honour and Love of our country, as follows 

"1. That from and after the tii-st day of December next, we 
will not import into British America, from Great Britain or Ire- 
land, any Goods, Wares or Merchandise whatsoever, or from any 
other place, any such goods, wares, or merchandises as sliall have 
been exported from Great Britain or Ireland ; nor will we, after 
that day, import any East India tea from any part of the world ; 
nor any Molasses, Sjnnips, Paneles, Coffee or Piment from the 
British Plantations or from Dominica, nor Wines from the Madeira, 

or the Western Islands ; nor foreign Indigo." 

************ 

"3 As a non consumptive agreement, strictly adhered to, will 



160 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

be an effectual security for the observation of non importation, we 
as above solemnly agree and associate that from this day we will 
not purchase or use any tea imported on account of the East India 
Company, or any on which a duty has been or shall be paid ; and 
from and after the first day of March next, we will not purchase 
or use any East India Tea whatsoever." 

The author inserts here out of its order a resolve of said Con- 
gress, which exhibits the sentiments of the colonies on the subject 
of slavery and the slave trade forced upon them by the governing 
countries. 

' ' 2. That we will neither import nor purchase, any slave im- 
ported, after the first day of December next ; after which time we 
will whoUy discontinue the slave trade, and will neither be con- 
cei-ned in it ourselves, nor will we hii"e our vessels, nor sell our 
commodities or manufactures to those who are concerned in it." 

After passing several other resolutions for the purpose of giving 
full effect to the previous ones, the Congress adopted the following : 

" 11. That a committee be chosen, in every city county and 
town, by those who are qualified to vote for Representatives in the 
Legislature, whose business it shall be attentively to observe the 
conduct of all persons touching this association." Then after pro- 
viding that any person violating should be reported, and name pub- 
lished in the Gazette, declared ' ' and thenceforth we will respec- 
tively break off aU dealings with him or her." 

" 14. And we do fui'ther agree and resolve, that we will have 
no trade, commerce, dealings or intercourse whatsoever with any 
Colony or Province in North America, which shall not accede to, 
or which shall hereafter violate this association, but will hold 
them as unworthy the rights of Freemen and as inimical to the 
liberties of this country. 

" And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents 
under the ties aforesaid-, until such parts of the several acts of 
Parliament (specifically naming all the obnoxious acts) are re- 
pealed." . . . 

At the end of these resolves and declarations follow the signa- 
tures of all the delegates. 

The Congress also adopted and issued lengthy addresses to the 
people of Great Britain, to the king, and to the colonial residents, 
as well as others. In the address to the people of Great Britain, 
is this significant passage : 

' ' But if you are detennined that your ministers shall wantonly 
sport Avith the rights of mankind ; if neither the voice of Jiistice, 
the dictates of the law, the principles of the Constitution, or the 
suggestions of humanity, can restrain your hands from shedding 
human blood in such an impious cause, we must then tell you, that 



IIISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 161 

we will never submit to be hewers of wood or drawers of water for 
any ministry or nation in the world." * 

Tliere were no delegates from Georgia in attendance at that 
Congress. But the Georgia Provincial Congi-ess, on the 6th day of 
July, 1775, unanimously 

"■ Resolved 1. That this Province will adopt and caiTy into ex- 
ecution, all and singular the measures and recommendations of the 
late Continental Congress. 2. In particular that we, in l)ehiilf of 
ourselves and our constituents, do adopt and api)rove of the ^Vuieri- 
can declaration or bill of rights, published by the late Continental 
Congress, and also of their several resolves made in conseipience of 
some infractions tliereof." The resolves passed by them were six- 
teen in number, and sustain the Continental Congi'ess in every 
particular. 

Thus were all the colonies brought into line, and noblj^ did 
they afterward sustain one another in the then rapidly approach- 
ing conflict. 

At a session of the Assembly held on the 2Ct]i day of January, 
1775, Colonel Ten Broeck moved that the House take into consid- 
eration the pi'oceedings of the Continental Congress held in the 
city of Philadelphia in the months of September and October, 
1774. The Assembly, by a vote of 11 to 10, refused to consider it. 
This vote was, substantially, that the sense of the House should 
not be taken upon the measures of Congress. 

A letter written by a New Yoik gentleman to a resident of Bos- 
ton, dated January 27th, 1775, contains the following comment 
upon the preceding vote : " In short sir, no virtuous or spirited 
act could be expected from a house, whicli liad by its votes, violated 
the right of election, suspended the Habeas Corpus Act, deprived 
the subject of liis right of trial by Jury, and provided support 
six years for troops kept here for the express purpose of enslaving 
America. Although they are the legal they are not the true repre- 
sentatives of the People. " 

Such being the character of a nuijority of the New York As- 
sembly at that time, sycophants of royalty, and sympathizing with 
Lieutenant-Governor Colden in his Tory proclivities, as miglit have 
been expected, a resolution offered in that body on the 17th of Feb- 
ruary, 1775, approving the action of the New York delegates to 
the Continental Congress, was rejected by a vote of 10 to 9, and 
likewise a resolution for the appointment of delegates to another 
Continental Convention was, on the 23d of February, also rejected 
by a like vote. To the honor of Ulster County it can be said that 



* These stirring words are understood to have been -Britten by one of New York's 
favorite sons, Jolm Jay. 
11 



162 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

it was not misrepresented in that Assembly ; its delegates, George 
Clinton and Charles De Witt, were numbered with that patriotic 
minority, and stood up finnly for the right. 

By the action of the majority of the Assembly as above, the 
people were left to take the matter in their own hands, and so they 
did, determinedly and wisely, as will be noticed in the sequel. 

The following extract from a letter dated March 13th, 1775, 
written in London to a gentleman in Philadelphia, shows the im- 
portance which was attached by the English ministry to the action 
of the New York Assembly, and the manoeuvring for its control : 

" The ministry are sensible of and declare the dangers and diffi- 
culties of their undertaking. But they are encouraged to the at- 
tempt by a firm persuasion of success in con-upting New York and 
intimidating New England. 



" They have therefore despatched emissaries to exert every 
effort of corruption ; thus by bribery and places for individuals, 
endowments for the college, and the establishment of Royal docks 
arsenals etc in the city," they seek to accomplish their purpose. 



CHAPTER XI. 

FROM JANUARY, 1775, TO THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 

JULY, 1776. 

JOHN HOLT, in 1766, established the New York Journal or 
General Advertiser in the city of New York. In 1774 he dis- 
carded the king's arms from tlie head of his paper, and substituted 
an emblem and motto extremely appropriate for the then disjointed 
state of this countiy. It was a serpent cut in pieces, with the ex- 
pressive motto, " Unite or die.'- In 177o, after concerted action 
had been initiated in the colonies, another emblem, equally expres- 
sive, was substituted. The snake was united and coiled, with the 
tail in its mouth, forming a double ring. On the body of the 
snake, beginning at the head, were the following lines : 

" United now, alive and free, 
Finn on this basis Liberty shall stand, 
And thus supported ever bless our land, 
Till time becomes eternity." 

The first emblem most expressive of weakness, the second of 
strength. 

After the British took possession of New York, Holt I'eiuoved 
first to Fishkill, and subsequently to Kingston, and then continued 
the publication of his paper at that place, until driven away by 
the British incendiary torch. His paper was the first newspaper 
published in the county of Ulster. From Kingston he went to 
Poughkeepsie, and continued there until the conclusion of peace 
and evacuation of New York by the British, when he returned to 
New York. 

As will be noticed in this chapter, nearly the entire population 
of Kingston (and tlie same may be said of the whole county) 
entered detenninedly and enthusiastically into the sujjport of the 
action of the Continental and Provincial Congresses. Malcontents, 
indeed, existed, but they were in a small minority. 

Meetings in suppoit of the Congressional action were held in 
different sections of the county, of which a summary will be 
given. The following is a copy of the official record of the pro- 
ceedings of a joint meeting of the freeholders of several towns as 
specified : 



16i HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

At a meeting of a great number of the most respectable free- 
holders of the towns of Kingston, Hurley, Marbletown, Rochester, 
and New Paltz, held in the town of Hurley, Ulster County, N. Y., 
on Friday, tlie 6th day of January, 1775, Colonel Johannis Har- 
denbergh. Captain John Elniendorf, Adrian Wynkoop, Matthew 
Cantine, Johannis G. Hardenbergh, and Jacob Hasbrouck, Jr., 
were appointed a committee to draw resolutions expressive of the 
sense of the meeting, and reported the following : 

" Resolved first that it is the opinion of this meeting, that we 
most heartily approve of the association, and acquiesce in all the 
other measui'es entered into by the late General Congress, and we 
will use every means in our power to render them effectual ; and 
that it be recommended to the several towns and Precincts within 
this county, to choose committees to see the same faithfully ob- 
served and carried into execution. 

" A certain Pamphlet entitled ' Free thoughts on the Resolves 
of the Congress ' etc under the signature of A. W. Farmer, dated 
November 16 1774, being produced and publickly read, it was, 

' ' Resolved secondly. That it is replete with falsehoods, artfully 
calculated to impose upon the illiterate and unthinking ; to frus- 
trate the Resolves of Congress and to destroy that Union, so neces- 
sary for the preservation of our constitutional liberty : therefoi'e 

" Resolved, thirdly ; That the said pamphlet, in detestation and 
abhorrence of such infamous publications, be now burnt ; and 
that the authors, publishers, and circulators of such performances, 
be henceforth deemed the enemies of their country. 

" Resolved fourthly that the chairman transmit coj)ies of the 
above resolves to the committees of correspondence for the several 
towns and Precincts within this county. 

' ' Which Resolves being read and unanimously approved, the 
above named Pamphlet was burnt accordingly." 

Similar meetings were held, similar action taken and resolves 
passed in many of the other towTis in the county, showing that the 
lieoi^le were fully roused to their situation, and determined to re- 
sist the encroachments and demands of tyranny at any sacrifice. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Kingston, Ulster 
County, Oke Sudani, John Beekman, Johannis Perse, Johannes 
Slecht, Hendrick Schoonmaker, Christian Fiero, and Egbert 
Schoonmaker were ai)pointed a committee of observation, agree- 
able to, and for the purpose mentioned in the eleventh article of 
the association of the Continental Congi'ess. Johannes Slecht was 
subsequently appointed chairman. 

On the 7th of April, 1775, that committee having been informed 
" that the merchants and venders of JSast India tea had entered 
into an association not to sell any Bast India Tea, and that if 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 165 

any person or persons should be guilty of selling or vending any 
of that foniuiodity, that they should ))e pul)lished in the ]>u])li('k 
newspaiH'i's as enennes to the liberties and privileges of American 
subjects ; which articles were signed by all the merchants and 
skipjiers, who were possessed of any East India tea (^fr Jacobus 
Low excepted), who notwithstanding all the friendly admonitions 
and entreaties to the contrary, declared he had and would sell 
tea ; Upon which infoi'ination this committee resolved to send for 
Mr Low, thiidving that time and mature deliberation, together with 
their friendly advice, might be able to alter Mr Low's determina- 
tion ; but all in vain ; for he declared he was determined to sell 
tea as formerly he had done, and altsolutelj' refused to comply 
with the articles agreed to by the other merchants and skii)pers in 
said town. 

" We therefore, in faitlifnlness to the Trust reposed in us, and 
agreeable to the reconnuendation of the congress, do publisli, and 
he, the said Jacobus Low is hereby published, as an enemy to the 
rights and liberties of America ; and we do hereby declare, that 
we will henceforth abstain from (and recommend it to others to 
abstain from) all kind of connections and commerce with him, 
until sucli tijne as a change in his conduct shall induce us to alter 
our determination. 

" Signed by order of the committee. 

"Johannes Sleght, Chairman.^^ 

On the 6th of June, 1775, Jacobus Low addressed the Kingston 
committee by letter, as follows : " Whei'eas there is a dispute now 
subsisting between me and you, and considering that unanimity is 
necessary for the presentation of our rights and liberties at this 
critical juncture, the welfare of individuals, and for my own inter- 
est in particular, I do most earnestly I'ecpiest, if it be possible that 
we may come to an amicable reconciliation by the following con- 
cessions ; 

'" First tliat I am very sorry so great a misunderstanding has 
so long subsisted between us, respecting the difference in opinion 
of the resolves of the Continental Congress. Secondly I earnestly 
entreat, that the gentlemen of the conmiittee will foi'give me all tlie 
offences and transgressions, wherein I have offended and injured 
them in their respective reputations or characters, either in their 
publick or private capacities." 

The town committee, on the same day, held a meeting and 
" certified to all whom it may concern, that Mr Jacobus Low per- 
sonally appeared before us, and did make all such reasonable satis- 
faction (by publick concession) as was required relative to his 
former conduct, and we recommend to the publick that from hence- 



166 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

forth he may again be received as a friend to the liberties and priv- 
ileges of British America." 

The New York Provincial Assembly having rejected a motion 
made for the appointment of delegates to the Continental Congress, 
the people assumed and took the matter in their own hands. De- 
termined not to be controlled by the sycophants of royalty, the 
people of this province, by delegates, met in their respective pre- 
cincts, and appointed representatives to meet in convention in the 
city of New York, and appoint delegates to represent this province 
in the Continental Congress. At a convention of the several towois 
in Ulster County, Charles De Witt, George Clinton, and Levi 
Pawling were unanimously selected as delegates from Ulster, to 
represent its inhabitants in such provincial convention. 

This action of the Ulster Coimty Convention was fonnally pro- 
tested against by three Ulster County Tories, Cadwallader Colden, 
Jr., Peter Dubois, and Walter Dubois, in a lengthy document, in 
which, among other matters, they alleged " that the election of del- 
egates to meet, either in Provincial or Continental Congress, is un- 
warranted by law, unknown to the British Constitution, repugnant 
to the genius and spirit thereof, has a direct tendency to sap, 
undennine and destroy the most excellent English Constitution, 
and introduce a Republican government, widen the breach between 
this country and the parent government and bring on the country 
all the calamities of an unnatural civil war. They do therefore 
publickly protest against the same, and any Provincial Conventions 
that may meet in the city of New York or elsewhere in the Prov- 
ince ; and will not pay any obedience to their resolutions or man- 
dates ; but as faithful subjects, of a most excellent King, pay obedi- 
ence only to the good and wholesome laws of the land." 

On the 19th day of April, 1775, occurred the memorable battle 
of Lexington, which was commenced by a regiment of British 
troops firing into a company of militia, who were exercising in 
military drill without any ammunition. The heroic English thus, 
with all the paraphernalia of war, murdered eight defenceless men 
and wounded others. 

As expressed in a letter of that date from Boston : " This 
alarmed the country, so that it seemed as if men came down from 
the clouds," and the British troops were in turn attacked, de- 
feated, and driven to their boats by despised, undisciplined col- 
onists. It did not end there. The news of that battle was spread 
throughout the whole country by express riders travelling night and 
day, with relays of horses i^rovided at every convenient distance. 

The effect in New York is described by Lieutenant-Grovernor 
Colden, a British sympathizer, in his proclamation of the 1st of 
May, 1775, proroguing the Assembly, as follows : 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 167 

" Astonished by accounts of acts of hostility, in the moment 
of the expectation of terms of reconciliation, and now filled with 
distrust, the Inhabitants of the city burst through all restraint on 
the an-ival of the intelligence from Boston, and instantly emptied 
the vessels laden with provisions for that place, and then seized 
the city arms, and iii the course of a few days disti'ibuted them 
among the multitude, formed themselves into companies, and 
trained openly on the streets ; increased the number and power of 
the committee before appointed, to execute the association of the 
Continental Congress ; convened themselves by beat of drum, for 
popular resolutions ; have taken the keys of the Custom House by 
military force ; shut up tlie port ; drawn a number of small can- 
non into the country ; called all parts of the Colony to a Provin- 
cial Convention ; chosen twenty delegates for this city ; fonned an 
association now signing by all ranks, engaging submission to Com- 
mittees and Congresses, in firm union with the rest of the Con- 
tinent, and openly avow a resolution, not only to resist the acts of 
Parliament complained of as grievances, but to withhold succours 
of all kinds from the troops, and to repel every species of force, 
whenever it may be exerted, for enforcing the taxing claims of 
parliament at the risk of their lives and fortunes." 

Tlie New York Provincial Convention met in the city of New 
York on the 20th day of April, 1775, and on the next day, by reso- 
lution, expressed their full approbation of the conduct of the dele- 
gates from the province of New York, who attended the preceding- 
Continental Congress ; and, as a mark of the confidence reposed in 
them, unanimously re-elected all of them except two, who de- 
clined to serve, and added five more to their number, including 
George Clinton, of Ulster. 

The Congress then adjourned without transacting any further 
business. 

The New York committee at once, and on the 28tli of April, 
1775, issued a call for another Provincial Congress to meet on the 
22d day of May. On the 11th day of May Ulster County responded 
to that call, and by committees for the several tov\Tis and precincts 
unanimously appointed Colonel Johannis Hardenbergh, Colonel 
James Clinton, Egbert Dumont, Dr. Charles Clinton, Cliristopher 
Tappen, John Nicholson, and Jacob Hoorabeek, deputies for 
said county to said Provincial Convention, to be held at the city 
of New York on the 22d day of May, or at such other time 
and place as may be agreed on, " in order to adopt, and endeavor 
to caiTy into execution, whatever measures may be recommended 
by the Continental Congress, or Resolved upon by our Provincial 
Convention, for the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and 
opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts 



168 . HISTORY OF KINGSTOI^. 

of the British Pariiament, until a reconciliation between Great 
Britain and America on constitutional principles can be obtained, 
with such further power to declare the sense of this country, rela- 
tive to the grievances and oppression under which his majesty's 
American subjects now groan, and to concert such measures as may 
tend to the preservation of the rights and liberties of America." 

The dejjuties were further directed, wlien met in convention, 
' ' to move that a day be set apart for public fasting and pi-ayer, 
throughout the Colony, to implore the Divine aid in restoring a 
happy reconciliation between the mother country and her Ameri- 
can Colonies." 

The Provincial Congress met on the 22d day of May, 1775, and 
on the 29th of May the Congress " Resolved That it be, and is hereby 
recommended to all the counties in this colony, (who have not al- 
ready done it), to appoint County Committees and also subcom- 
mittees for their respective townships, precincts and districts, 
without delay, in order to carry into execution the resolutions of 
the Continental, and this Provincial Congress. 

' ' And that it is also recommended to every inhabitant of this 
colony, who has hitherto neglected to sign the General Association, 
to do it with all convenient speed. And for these purposes that 
the committees in the respective counties do tender the said associ- 
ation to every inhabitant within the several districts in each 
county. . . . And that the said committees and persons re- 
spectively do return the said association, and the names of those 
who shall refuse or neglect to sign the same, to this Congress, by 
the fifteenth day of July next or sooner if possible." 

The one for Ulster County was in the following form : 

" A general association agreed to and subscribed by the free- 
holders and inhabitants of the county of Ulster and province of 
New York. 

" Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of 
America depends, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants, 
in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, 
and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and con- 
fusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of Government ; 
we the Freemen, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of the county of 
Ulster, being greatly alaiined at the avowed design of the ministry 
to raise a revenue in America and shocked by the bloody scene 
now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, Do, in the most solemn 
manner, resolve never to become slaves, and do associate under all 
the ties of Religion, Honour, and Love to our Country, to adopt, 
and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever measures may be 
recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by 
the Provincial Congress, for the purpose of preserving our Consti- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 169 

tution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and 
oppressive acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation be- 
tween Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles, can 
be obtained. And that we will, in all things, follow the advi(!e of 
our respective Committees, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the 
preservation of Peace and good order, and the safety of individuals 
and private property." 

Articles of association as above were transmitted to the conven- 
tion from the several towns and precincts in the county, bearing 
the signatures of nearly all the male inhabitants and only a few re- 
fusals were recorded. The one circulated in the town of Kingston 
bore five hundred and sixty-live signatures, with thirty-three re- 
fusals recorded. A full copy of the return from Kingston, with 
the names of signers and refusals attached, will be found in the 
Appendix. For the convenience of the reader, and to facilitate the 
search for particular names, the signatures have been arranged in 
alphabetical order, which is not the case in the original. In other 
respects, it is a true copy. 

The Continental Congress in deliberating upon the conduct of 
the war, which was now fully inaugurated, concluded it would be 
a wise stroke of policy to make the contest in a measure aggressive 
on their jaart, and not continue it wholly on the defensive. At 
that time Canada was in a poor situation to resist an invading 
army, as many of her citizens were favorably inclined to the col- 
onies, and a large portion of her population being of French descent, 
were consequently supposed not to entertain any particular parti- 
ality for Great Britain. The English garrisons within her bor- 
ders had been greatly weakened and depleted by transfers made 
to Boston. The time was therefore considered auspicious for the 
invasion. 

It was also well undin-stood that General Carlton, the English 
Governor of Canada, was a man of great energy and force, and 
was greatly distinguished as a military officer, and that he was dili- 
gently exerting all liis powers to stir up not only the Canadians, 
but the Indians as well, in hostility to the Americans, and neither 
gold nor promises were spared to attain this object. It was there- 
fore considered that if the invasion should be postponed for an- 
other year, the prejudicial seeds of Carlton's sowing might take 
root, and besides, England would by that time have placed tlie 
country in a perfect state of defence, and in condition to be used 
as a base from which to attack the colonies in the rear. 

The Continental Congress, therefore, determined on an immedi- 
ate invasion of the Canadas, and called upon the province of New 
York to furnish four regiments of troox)s, to be enlisted in the 
Continental service for the terai of six months, to constitute a part 



170 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

of the invading forces. Measures were at once taken to comply 
with the requirements, and the regiments were soon enlisted. 

The Provincial Congress then, by resolution, on the 30th day of 
June, 1775, fixed the order and relative rank of the several New 
York regiments, and appointed a committee to determine the 
rank and order of the captains and inferior officers of the several 
companies composing the respective regiments. 

The order and relative rank of the several regiments, and also 
of the captains and inferior officers of the Ulster County regiment, 
were settled and arranged, as follows : 
First New York Regiment, Alexander McDougaU, Colonel ; 

Rudolphus Ritzema, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Herman Zedtz- 

witz, Major. 
Second Albany Regiment, Goose Van Scliaick, Colonel ; Peter 

Yates, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Peter Gansevoort, Jr., Major. 
Third (Ulster Regiment), James Clinton, Colonel ; Cornelius D. 

Wynkoop, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Henry Livingston, Jr., 

Major ; George L. Schruter, Adjutant ; James Hamilton, 

Quartermaster. 
Fourth, James Holmes, Colonel ; Pliilip Van Cortlandt, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel ; Barnabas Tuthill, Major ; Job Mulford, 

Adjutant ; Benjamin Chapman, Quartermaster. 
The Third or Ulster County Regiment, as it was called, was en- 
listed in Ulster and Orange counties, and was composed of ten 
companies, arranged and officered as follows : 
First Company, Daniel Griffen, Captain ; Benjamin Marvin, First 

Lieutenant ; Nathaniel Horton, Second Lieutenant. 
Second Company, John Nicholson, Captain ; David Du Bois, First 

Lieutenant ; James Grieg, Second Lieutenant. 
Third Company, John Hulbert, Captain ; John Davis, First Lieu- 
tenant ; William Havner, Second Lieutenant. 
Fourth Company, Lewis Du Bois, Captain ; Elias Van Benschoten, 

Jr., First Lieutenant, and Andrew T. Lawrence, Second 

Lieutenant. 
Fifth Company, John Grinnell, Captain ; Samuel Smith, First 

Lieutenant ; Alexander Ketchem, Second Lieutenant. 
Sixth Company, Andrew Billings, Captain ; Ezekiel Cooper, First 

Lieutenant ; John Langdon, Second Lieatenant. 
Seventh Company, Jacobus Bruyn, Captain ; Thomas De Witt, 

l^'irst Lieutenant ; Albert Pawling, Second Lieutenant. 
Eighth Company, Daniel Denton, Captain ; Balthazar Dehart, 

First Lieutenant ; George Hamilton Jackson, Second 

Lieutenant. 
Ninth Company, Elias Hasbrouck, Captain ; Cornelius T. Jansen, 

First Lieutenant ; Petrus Roggen, Second Lieutenant. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 171 

Tenth Company, Robert Johnson, Captain ; Philip Dn Bois Bevier, 
First Lieutenant ; William Martin, Second Lieutenant. 
Samuel Cooke, Surgeon ; John Stephenson, Mate. 

These regiments were well armed and equipped, and each had 
its own peculiar uniform. The uniform of the Third or Ulster 
Regiment consisted of a gray coat with green cuffs and facings. 
The waistcoat was of Russia drilling, long, and reaching to the 
hips ; the breeches were also of drilling and short to the knee ; 
the stockings were long, reaching to the knee, were woollen, and 
of home knitting ; the shoes were low ; they wore linen cravats, 
and a low-crowned felt hat with a very broad brim. The regi- 
ments were distinguished from each other by the color of the coat 
and facings. 

On the 11th day of August, the Provincial Congress passed a 
resolution directing Colonels McDougall, Clinton, and Holmes, I'e- 
spectively, to march to Albany with all convenient speed, with 
their respective commands, and there await the directions of their 
general officer or officers. 

The aforesaid regiments were brigaded under General Mont- 
gomery, and were with him in all his movements, and wei'e follow- 
ing him to the assault at Quebec, when he fell mortally wounded. 
The Ne\v York regiments continued there until the expiration of 
the tenn of their enlistment, enduring the terrible trials and hard- 
ships of a winter campaign in that severe latitude. About the 
time the term of tlieir enlistment expired, an effort was made to 
have them re-enlist, but most of them declined to do so. Out of the 
entire biigade, only a sufficient number re-enlisted to form a single 
regiment. 

Most of the officers, on their return home, continued in the 
service of their country with other commands, and many of them 
received well-earned promotion, as will appear in subsequent parts 
of this narrative. 

On the 8th day of July, ITTo, the Provincial Congress, after 
transacting the particular business that was pressing before them, 
detennined to take a recess for a fortnight. In order that nothing 
essential for the public weal should be neglected, they appointed 
a committee to sit and act during the recess, with comprehensive 
powers equal almost to their own, and it was styled the " Com- 
mittee of Safety." It consisted of three members from the city of 
New York, and one member from each of the other counties — New 
Y^'ork to have two votes, and the other counties each one vote. 
Such other members of the Congi-ess as might be in attendance 
might join in the vote of their respective counties, or give such 
vote in the absence of the member appointed. Such practice was 
continued in subsequent Congresses and conventions of New York, 



172 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

until the adoption of the Constitution, so that tliere was no inter- 
regnum in executive power, although there was no governor. 

The resolution of the Congress in regard to the powers of the 
committee, was as follows : " Resolved that all the said votes, or 
a major part thereof, shall constitute such committee. And that 
the said committee, when met, shall be empowered to open all let- 
ters directed to the said Congress and to answer the same ; that 
they be further empowered to take such measures, as they shall 
think proper, to carry into execution all orders of the Continental 
Congress, and all resolutions and recommendations of this Congress, 
and to comj)ly with any requisitions made by the generals of the 
Continental army, or any of them as far as they shall think 
proper." 

In August, 1775, the Provincial Congress made arrangements for 
the reorganization of the militia throughout the province. And by 
that arrangement four regiments of Ulster County and five regi- 
ments of Orange County were to form a brigade. On the 2d day 
of September, 1775, the Provincial Congress, by resolution, desig- 
nated as field officers of the four Ulster County regiments the fol- 
lowing : 

First. Colonel Johannis Hardenbergh, Lieutenant - Colonel 
Abraham Hasbrouck, Major Johannis Snyder, Major Jonathan 
Elmendorf, Adjutant Petrus J. Elmendorf, Quartermaster Abra- 
ham A. Hasbrouck. 

Second. Colonel James Clinton, Lieutenant-Colonel James 
Claughry, Major Jacob Newkirk, Major Moses Phillips, Adjutant 
George Denniston, Quartermaster Alexander Trimble. 

Third. Colonel Levi Pawling, Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob Hoorn- 
beek. Major Johannis Cantine, Major Joseph Hasbrouck, Adjutant 
David Bevier, Quartennaster Jacobus Bruyn, Jr. 

Fourth. Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck, Lieutenant - Colonel 
Johannis Hardenbergh, Jr., Major Johannis G-arisen, Jr., Major 
Lewis Du Bois, Adjutant Abraham Schoonraaker, Quartennaster 
Isaac Belknap.'^ 

The commissions were afterward duly issued to the ofliicers 
above named, and were i-espectively dated October 25th, 1775. 

The following is the return of officers for the town of Kingston 
company organizations : 

Beat No. 1. Evert Bogardus, Captain ; Daniel Graham, First 
Lieutenant ; Anthony Freer, Second Lieutenant ; Johannis Persen, 
Ensign. 

No. 2. Moses Cantine, Jr., Captain ; Philip Swart, First Lieu- 
tenant ; Abraham G. Van Aken, Second Lieutenant ; Hendricus 
Teerpenning, Ensign. 

No. 3. Matthew Dederick, Captain ; Evert Wynkoop, Jr., First 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 173 

Lieutenant ; Petrus Eygenaer, Second Lieutenant ; Hendrick iSIyer, 
Ensign. 

No. 4. John L. De Witt, Captain ; Petnis Osterhoudt, First 
Lieutenant ; Tobias Myer, Second Lieutenant ; Petrus 'Riink, 
Ensign. 

No. 5. Ilendrick Schoonmaker, Captain ; Edward Schoon- 
maker, First Lieutenant ; Edward Whitaker, Second Lieutenant ; 
Isaac Burliani, Ensign. 

Return of a company of horse for the town of Kingston : 

Philip Hougliteling, Captain ; Silvester Salisbury, First Lieu- 
tenant ; Petrus Mynderse, Second Lieutenant ; Cornelius C New- 
kirk, Cornet ; Cornelius J. Uu Bois, First Quartermaster ; James 
Roe, Second Quartermaster. 

The letter of wliicli the following is a copy was wTitten by 
Daniel Graham to the Hon. Charles De Witt, and contains an in- 
teresting account of some occurrences in the city of New York : 

" Kingston Aug 27, 1775. 
" Sir 

" Rec'd yours of yesterday date and observe the contents. Mr 
Wm. Eltinge's Son John has come home from New York, which 
place he left Thursday at five in the evening, by whom we have an 
exact account of what happened between the King's ship in the 
harbor and the citizens there The congress it seems had agreed 
that the cannon on the battery should be removed, which they 
agreed to do with the greatest secrecy, but such is the unhappy 
situation of that city, that there is nothing can be kept a seci'et, 
even the Congress itself. However on Wednesday, at 10 or 11 
o'clock at night, the People went in order to move the cannon, but 
soon were discovered and fired on by the Asia's barge, which was 
immediately returned by our People briskly, soon after the man- 
of-war began to play upon them. One man in the barge was 
killed, three of our People wounded, but likely to do well. After 
a considei-able firing, upon the city and battery, and doing a great 
deal of damages to sundiy houses, the firing ceased till morning, 
when the Captain of the Asia sent a letter ashore, to the Mayor of 
the City, to know whether it was the sense of the Congress that 
the Cannon should be moved, or only a party of men without the 
direction of the Congress ; but received no answer. He sent a sec- 
ond letter and had no answer. He sent a third, and declared if he 
was not answered, he would on Fi-iday morning set fire to the city. 
We have no account since that time. Capt John Elmendorf was 
to set out for home from New York yesterday, by whom I expect 
we shall have further accounts of the matter. Eltinge says the city 
was in the utmost confusion, women and chQdren moving out with 



174 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

all speed. The People, however, moved the cannon from the bat- 
tery, and have secured them. 

"It is thought the Rev Auchmooty's son and Sheriff Roberts' 
son acquainted the man-of-war of the removing of the cannon from 
the battery, as those young gentlemen are missing, since that 
time and not to be found. . . . 

" Sir, your very humble Serv't 

" Daniel Graham." 
To Charles Dewitt Esq 

At a meeting of the committee of the town of Kingston, on the 
5th of September, 1775, Egbert Dumond informed the committee 
that the sloop of Christian Bergen, Jr. , of Dutchess County, lying 
near the east shore of Hudson River, was taking freight on board 
to supply the king's troops or the men-of-war now lying at New 
York. Captain John Elmendorf was thereupon ordered to \)Xo- 
ceed with a detachment and seize the sloop and bring her to Kings- 
ton landing in the Rondout Creek. 

Captain John Elmendorf subsequently reported that he had 
seized the sloop as commanded, and brought her safe to Kingston 
landing. 

At a meeting held on the 17th of November, 1775, the following 
gentlemen were elected delegates to the Provincial Congress, to 
serve until the 10th day of May next ensuing : 

Henry Wisner, Matthew Rae, Dirck Wynkoop, Jr., Matthew 
Cantine, Andries De Witt, Andries Lefever, Thomas Palmer, and 
Samuel Brewster. The meeting resolved that three of the deputies, 
appearing in Congress at one time, shall be entitled to act and give 
their votes for the county. 

On the 8th of November, 1775, the Continental Congress re- 
solved that a commander with the rank of colonel be appointed 
to take command of the fortifications in the Highlands on Hudson 
River, and that the convention of New York be recommended to 
empower such commander to call together two hundred men of the 
militia of Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess counties, and one company 
of artillery from the city of New York, to be stationed in the 
Highlands until relieved. They further resolved that a number of 
the militia of the counties of Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster, be 
formed into independent companies under the direction of the 
commander of said fortresses, and in case of alarm be directed to 
repair to the several stations in the Highlands, which, in order to 
prevent confusion, should be immediately assigned to them. 

These resolutions arriving during the recess, the Committee of 
Safety forwarded instructions to said counties for each county to 
raise sixty-seven men to fulfil the requirement. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 175 

On the 19th clay of December, 1775, it was ordered that George 
Clinton be appointed brigadier-general of the militia of Orange and 
Ulster counties formed into one brigade, and that a commission 
issue accordingly. 

On the 21st day of December, 177.'), the following appointments 
were made of officers of the minute men in Ulster County : 

Of the Southern regiment : 

Thomas Palmer, Colonel ; Thomas Johnson, Jr., Lieutenant- 
Colonel ; Arthur Parks, First Major ; Samuel Logan, Second 
Major ; Sovereign Bruyn, Adjutant ; Isaac Belknap, Quarter- 
master. 

Of the Northern regiment : 

Charles De Witt, Colonel; Andrius De Witt, Jr., Lieutenant- 
Colonel ; Christopher Tappen, First Major ; Cornelius E. Wyn- 
koop. Second Major ; Oke Sudani, Adjutant ; Cornelius I. Elmen- 
dorf, Quartemiaster. 

February .5th, Sovereign Bruyn declined the ai>pointment of 
adjutant in the Southern regiment of minute men. 

On the 13th of February, the field officers of the Northern regi- 
ment of militia for Ulster County were appointed as follows : 

Abraham Hasbrouck, Colonel ; Johannis Snyder, Lieutenant- 
Colonel ; Jonathan Elmendorf and Adrian Wynkoop, Majors ; 
Abraham A. Hasbrouck, Adjutant, and John Van Dusen, Jr., 
Quarternuister. 

Under date of March 13th, 1776, the following memorandum 
appears upon the legislative minutes : " A long letter from Colo. 
Abraham Hasbrouck, at Kingston, in Ulster County, alleging that 
he is superseded in his rank as an officer in the militia, was read 
and filed." 

Immediately following the above-mentioned memorandum, 
appears another, as follows : 

" Another very long letter from said Colo Abi-aham Has- 
brouck, Johannis Snyder, and the other gentlemen lately ai^pointed 
to be field and staff officers of that regiment was also read and 
filed. 

" The gentlemen who wrote the last above-mentioned letters, 
amongst many other childish reasons therein contained, for return- 
ing their commissions, have assigned the two following. First as 
they are called officers of the Northern Regiment of Ulster County, 
and secondly, that their commissions bear test on the date pos- 
terior to the date of many inferior officers of their regiment." 

Tlie Provincial Congress, the next day, the 14th of February, 
had the aforesaid letters under considei-ation, and adopted a com- 
munication addressed to Jacobus BrujTi, Esq., Chairman of the 
Committee of Ulster County, in which, among other things, is 



176 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

stated : " There appears to be a great dissatisfaction among the field 
officers, and the Colonel declines serving by reason of your altering 
the name of his regiment, and our appointing George Clinton, 
Esquire brigadier-general of the Militia of Ulster and Orange 
Counties. . . . 

" We enclose you six blank commissions, wliich you will fiU up 
for such persons as you conceive best qualified, being previously as- 
sured, that the persons you appoint will serve, and that their poli- 
tical sentiments are friendly to American Liberty." 

At a meeting of the Ulster County Committee, held at New 
Paltz on the 19th of January, 1776, in reference to a disj^ute and 
difficulty in regard to the field officers of the Northern regiment 
of Ulster Coixnty, the committee, having taken into consideration 
the matters referred to them by a majority of voices, ordered the 
following persons to be recommended : Abraham Hasbrouck, 
Colonel ; Johannis Snyder, Lieutenant- Colonel ; Jonathan Elmen- 
dorf and Adrian Wynkoop, Majors ; Abraham A. Hasbrouck, 
Adjutant ; John Van Dusen, Quartermaster. 

Mr. Abraham Hasbrouck continuing to feel aggrieved at the 
appointment of George Clinton as brigadier- genei-al in preference 
to himself, persisted in his refusal to serve as colonel. The I'egiment 
was finally officered in the manner indicated by the following 
return : 

Kingston, May 1, 1776. — The following return was made of the First Regiment of militia 
of foot in Ulster County : 



Colonel Johannis Snyder, 

Lieutenant- Colonel Jonathan Elmendorf, 

1st Major Andrieaen Wynkoop, 



2nd Major Philipus Houghteliug, 
Adjutant Abraham Hasbrouck, 
Quartermaster John Van Dusen, Jr. 

Lieut. Ensign. Non Com'd. Privates. 



1st Captain Evert Bogardus 

2d " Jan L. De Witt 

3d " Hendrick Schoonmaker. 

4th " Mattys Dederick 

5th " Lucas De Witt 

6th " Moses Cantyn 

7th " Gerardus Hardenbergh. . 



2 


1 


8 


68 


3 


1 


8 


50 


3 


1 


8 


50 


1 





8 


48 


3 


1 


8 


59 


3 


1 


8 


60 


2 


1 


8 


50 



13 6 56 385 

On the 19th day of January, 1776, the Continental Congress 
called for four battalions of troops, of which Ulster County was 
required to furnish three companies. Those companies were 
speedily enlisted for short terms under the command, respectively, 
of Captains John Belknap, of New Windsor, AVilliam Jackson, of 
Montgomery, and Cornelius Hardenbergh, of Hurley. They were 
assigned to the Second Regiment, commanded by Colonel James 
Clinton. That regiment was assigned to the defence of New York, 
and participated in some of the battles connected with that service. 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 177 

Tliomas Golden, sheriff of the (•ouiity of lister, havin"? ^iveii 
public notice that he had received tlie king's proclamation, and 
intended reading it in public at St. Andrew's Church on the 2d of 
December, 1775, the commanding officer of the regiment in that 
precinct, at the request of tlie committee, ordered out four com- 
panies of his regiment to meet at the church at that time. All the 
officers, with most of their men, attended, except Captain Cad- 
wallader Golden, Jr. Three companies of minute men were also in 
attendance. 

The sheriff, upon their demand, refrained from reading the proc- 
lamation, and publicly signed and read a declaration by which he 
declared, in substance, that he was sorry for his action, and woidd 
for the future act and behave as a friend to the measures adopted 
by the united colonies, and would thereafter, when required by the 
conmiittee, aid and assist in carrying into execution the resolves of 
the Continental and Provincial Congresses. 

Governor Tryon, from his ])lace of refuge on board a British 
war vessel, circulated the following address : 

" To the Inliahitants of the Colony of New York 

" I take this public manner to signify to the Inhabitants of this 
Province, that his Majesty has been graciously pleased to grant me 
his Royal penuission to withdi'aw fi-om the government ; and at 
the same time to assure them of my readiness to perform every 
service, in my power, to promote the common felicity. If I am ex- 
cliided from every hope of being in any ways instrumental toward 
the re-establishment of that hannony at present interrupted between 
Great Britain and her Colonies, I expect soon to be obliged to avail 
myself of his Majesty' s indulgence. 

" It has given me gi'eat pain to view the Colony committed to 
my care, in such a turbulent state as not to have afforded me sinc« 
my ari-ival any prospect of being able to take the dispassionate and 
deliberate sense of its Inhabitants, in a constitutional manner, upon 
the resolution of Parliament for comi)osing the present ferments in 
the Provinces. A resolution that was intended for the basis of an 
accommodation, and if candidly considei-ed, in a way in which it 
will be most probably successful, and treated with that delicacy 
and decency requisite to the cultivation of a sincere reconciliation 
and friendship, might yet be improved for the purpose of restoring 
the genei-al ti-anquillity and security of tlie Empire. 

" I owe it to my affection to this Colony to declare my wish 
that some measure may be speedily adopted for this puq)ose ; as I 
feel an extreme degi-ee of anxiety, in being witness to the grow- 
ing calamities of this country, without the power to alleviate 
them ; calamities that must increase, while bo many of the inhab- 
1-^ 



178 HISTOKT OF KINGSTON. 

itants withhold their allegiance from their sovereign, and their obedi- 
ence to the parent country ; by whose ijower and patronage they 
have been hitherto siistained and protected 

" William Try on 

" Ship Duchess of Gordon Harbour of New York, 4th 
Dec 1775." 

It will be recollected that the last legislative Assembly of the 
province of New York, containing a majority of Tories, was pro- 
rogued from time to time after their last meeting, but not dis- 
solved. On the 4th of January, 1776. the Committee of Safety hav- 
ing ascertained that the governor had dissolved the Assembly, and 
issued writs for another election, but withheld the publication of 
the same, presumably to elect a Tory house by a kind of snap 
judgment, addressed the following communication to the chair- 
men of the respective county committees, and forwarded a copy to 
Dirck Wynkoop, Esq., at Kingston : 

" New York January 2, 1776 

" Sir — We are well informed that the late General Assembly of 
this Colony is dissolved, and that writs are already made out for 
the election of Representatives in the several counties, so eaily 
that they may meet in General Assembly at New York on the 14th 
of next month, and that they will be summoned to meet on that 
day. Government has thought proper, as yet, to delay the publica- 
tion of the dissolution of the late Assembly. We will not take 
upon ourselves to assign any reasons for this secrecy, you may 
easily conjecture the cause. We have thought it our indispensable 
duty, to give you the above intelligence, that you and the friends 
of Liberty in your county may not be taken unaware, and sur- 
prised into an election without time to consult and to xirepare for 
it. We pray you to speak to the leading friends of Liberty in 
your county ; get some of them to meet and determine on men of 
real spirit and integrity, and friends to their country, to represent 
you in this perilous day. When you have fixed on proper men, 
let no time be lost in taking every necessary care and pains to 
secure their election." 

Whether it was a false alarm or not the election was not held, 
but the legislative Assembly was, in fact, dissolved. 

In 1775 Kingston and Ulster County had only heard the notes 
of war and bloodshed from afar. Some of her sons, it is true, had 
gone bravely forth to the battlefield to stay the progi-ess of the 
invading forces, but her soil had not yet been trampled on. Now, 
closer quarters were approaching, and the character of the contest 
changing. Hitherto the contest had been that of resistance to the 



ni>;TORY OF KINGSTON. 179 

enforcemont of nnjnst, uiiconstitiitional, and tyrannical enactments, 
with the vain hope of reconciliation and revocation of the obnox- 
ious measures. Now, the colonies had by act of Parliament been 
declared to be in rebellion and out of the protection of the British 
crown ; and by the ministry, with the approval of Parliament, 
fleets and armies had been raised within the kingdom, and foreiiiii 
troops hired to subjugate the provinces. It was therefore no longer 
a fight for the redress of grievances, but a contest, the result of 
which, bajitized by the life-blood of thousands of patriots, must 
be liberty and independence or slavery. 

On the Kith of May, 177G, the Continental Congress, in view of 
the action of the British ministry and Parliament toward the col- 
onies, and that ' ' the whole force of the Kingdom aided by foreign 
mercenaries is to be exerted for the destruction of the good People 
of the Colonies, . . ." declared it to be necessary "that the 
exercise of every kind of authority, under the said crown, should 
be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted 
under the authority of the People of the Colonies . . ." by 
resolution recommended the adoption by the several colonies of 
" such government, as shall in the opinion of the Representatives 
of the People, best conduce to the happiness and safety of theii' 
constituents in particular, and America in General." 

And on the 7th day of June, 1776, certain resolutions were intro- 
duced into the Continental Congress. The first one was in tlie fol- 
lowing words: "Resolved that these United Colonies are, and of 
right ought to be, free and independent States ; that tliey are 
absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all 
political connection, between them and the State of Great Britain, 
is and ought to be totally dissolved." Congress postponed the 
considei'ation of the resolution for three weeks, aTid directed the 
appointment of a committee " to prepare a declaration to the effect 
of the said resolution." 

On the 2d day of July the aforesaid resolution was adopted, 
and on the 4th of Jidy the Declaration of Independence was 
adopted and directed to be promulgated. 

The deputies to the New York Provincial Congress, which con- 
vened in May, 1776, had been elected in the month of April. The 
delegates from Ulster were Colonel Charles De Witt, Colonel Abra- 
ham Hasbrouck, Colonel Johannis Snyder, Matthew Cantine, Mat- 
thew Rae, Arthur Parks, Henry Wisner, Jr., and Samuel Brew- 
ster. In that convention the resolutions of the Continental Con- 
gress on the subject of composing and erecting some independent 
form of government were brought up for consideration. The dele- 
gates were of opinion that they were not invested with sufficient 
authority for that purpose. They therefore, by resolution, referred 



180 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the question to the people to elect representatives with express 
authority to institute a new internal form of government and 
police for the colony suited to the existing emergency. 

At the election held in Ulster County pursuant to such resolu- 
tion the delegates chosen were Charles De Witt, George Clinton, 
Matthew Cantine, Matthew Rae, Christopher Tappen, Henry Wis- 
ner, Jr., Arthur Parks, and Levi Pawling. On the 9th day of 
July, 1776, the Provincial Congress met at White Plains. Imme- 
diately after organization, a letter dated July 2d, from the New 
York delegates to the Continental Congress, was laid before them 
asking instructions on the subject of independence, and another 
enclosing a copy of the Declai-ation of Independence. 

On the same day the Provincial Congress " Resolved, unani- 
mously, That the reasons assigned by the Continental Congress, for 
declaring the United Colonies free and independent States, are 
cogent and conclusive ; and that while we lament the cruel neces- 
sity, which has rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve 
the same, and will at the risk of our lives and fortunes, join with 
the other Colonies in supporting it." 

Then, after directing the publication of the declaration in the 
sevei-al districts of the several counties in the province with the 
resolutions of approval, further ' ' Resolved that the delegates of 
this State, in Continental Congress, be and they are hereby au- 
thorized to consent to and adopt all such measures as they may 
deem conducive to the happiness and welfare of the United States 
of America." 

Thus ends the record of British rule, and now we reach the 
bloody contest to achieve independence. 



CHAPTER XII. 

A REVIEW OF SOME PURELY LOCAL MATTERS. 

"TTTE have now reached in the preceding genei-al narrative the 
V V fimi and detennined rejection of the Britisli yoke, and the 
hoisting of the Hag of independence. This therefore appears to 
be an appropriate place to revert to early years and note some 
purely local matters which conld not be readily introduced in the 
preceding chapters. As the special subject of this historical sketch 
foi-med a part, and at that early day a very important part, of the 
jirovince, a general sketch of the legislative, political, and other 
action affecting the whole body politic, was considered necessary 
fuUy to elucidate and illustrate its history. 

The preceding chapters have set forth the early declaration in 
the province of Xew York, of the great principle of "no taxation 
without representation," and its increasing strength in the public 
mind, as the years rolled on, until it proved the princi])al inciting 
cause, and one of the grand supporting principles which led this 
country to anned resistance against tyranny and oppression, and 
to tlie war for independence. 

The nari'ative also shows, as contained in the instructions of 
the ministry to theu- governoi-s, a sweeping clause in restraint of 
the printing-press. The administration of the Government exhib- 
ited no effort on its part toward the encouragement of that bul- 
wark of freedom. On the contrary, under one of the administra- 
tions, thei-e was a bold attempt to mnzzle it after its introduction. 
In the history of the struggle arising under that attempt, we per- 
ceive the freedom of the press maintained against all the power 
and strength of the administration, and the editor sustained in his 
exposure of official delinquencies. The counsel in his conduct of 
the defence, the jury ui theii- verdict of not guilty, and the city 
authorities and the people in their wild joy and rejoicing over the 
acquittal of the prisoner, exhibited their abhorrence of the old 
feudal princijile that " the greater the truth the greater the libel," 
and their enthusiastic sympathy with the opposite doctrine which 
now fonns a jiart of the fundamental law of this State. 

The settlers who were first drawn to this country after its dis- 
covery were ti-adere enticed here by the prospect and love of barter 



182 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

and gain. Their special attraction was to New Amsterdam and 
Fort Orange, by reason of the peculiar advantages of those locali- 
ties for ti'ade and commerce. New Amsterdam with the outside 
world, and Fort Orange reaching its arms through the Moliawk 
Valley and onward to the interior could control the fur trade of a 
very extended region. At Esopus, although there were some ad- 
vantages for the fur trade, they were limited in their character, 
and much inferior to those at Fort Orange. The great and per- 
manent attractions at Esopus were the broad and extensive acres 
of prairie flats and rich alluvial soil extending for miles upon 
miles along the several streams concentrating at that point and 
ready for the husbandman's plough without the preparatory use 
of the woodman's axe. 

Skirting the north bounds of the old village and present city 
of Kingston is the Esopus stream, which, rising many miles to the 
northwest of Kingston upon the water-shed of the Catskill Moun- 
tains, works its way down through valleys, ravines, and over 
rocks in a southerly course, until it reaches the lowland flats at 
Marbletown, then for ten miles or over passing through broad flats 
of rich alluvial soil to along and beyond Kingston as far as the 
present town of Saugerties, and then, after bending its course to 
the Hudson, and bounding over rocks and falls, it loses itself in 
the waters of that great river. 

Then there is the Rondout, also taking its rise in the interior 
among the Catskills, and, after winding through valleys and clefts 
of rocks and bounding over precipices, it reaches the lowlands of 
Warwasing, and then, with rich borders of alluvial flats, it jjasses 
for decades of miles through the present towns of Warwasing, 
Rochester, and Marbletown, and thence forward until it fonns a 
junction with the Walkill in the town of Rosendale. The Walkill, 
taking its rise in New Jersey, passes toward the north, and after 
crossing Orange County runs through the present towns of Sha- 
wangunk, Gardiner, New Paltz, and Rosendale, to its junction with 
the Rondout, leaving scores of miles of rich alluvial flats and bot- 
tom lands in its trail. The united waters of the two streams then 
rush to the eastward, and, after passing along and wasliing the 
docks on the south bounds of the city of Kingston, are lost in the 
" great river of the mountains." 

The extensive flats at Esopus attracted a class of settlers very 
different from those at New Amsterdam and Fort Orange. And 
when the religious persecutions of the Old World drove many of 
the worthy burghei-s of Holland and other countries of Europe to 
the New, husbandmen and farmers, men who looked to the prod- 
ucts of the mother earth for the reward of their labors, settled in 
"that very pleasant land." Such persons formed the general 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 183 

character of the Esopns population. It is not siiri)nsing, thei-efore, 
that for scores of years, and, indeed, for nearly a century, it was the 
principal producing granary of tlui province. The even tenor of a 
farmer's life in time of peace has in it very little variety, and 
furnishes scarcely any material for the recording pen of the his- 
torian. The loss or abstraction of i)apers from tlie Ulster (Jounty 
clerk's office has added very much to the diiBculty of procuring 
material to compile a complete local history. 

The Ulster County Historical Society organized in the year 
1859, for, among other purposes, the collection of " j)apers relative 
to tlie history of the original and pi-esent county of Ulster," drew 
at the time to its archives many valuable histoiical documents. 
Their executive conmiittee also, with the approval of the super- 
visors, and at the expense of the county, caused the papei's and 
tiles in the county clerk's office to be overhauled, and the loose 
documents and papers of an historical character aiTanged, in- 
dexed, and securely bound in seven volumes. The volumes were 
then placed where they belonged in the clerk's office. That, to all 
human apjjearance at the time, wise and prudent proceeding 
has served only to facilitate their abstraction and total loss to 
the county and the public. The volumes have all disappeared, 
and are now nowhere to be found. The Historical Society existed 
only a few years. With the departure of Colonel Pratt and a few 
others of its original founders, it lost all vitality, and is counted 
now among the things that have been and are not. The ai'chives 
of the society, also, have been so cared for, that all the historical 
papers of any value, except s(ich as have been jareserved by publi- 
cation, have disappeared, and are now scattered or destroyed, no 
one appears to know whither, when, or how. 

Tradition, even, that great and j)rolific manufacturer of great 
men and wonderfiil deeds as belonging to past ages, has furnished 
very little if anything for that period. Under such circumstances 
the record of the proceedings of ' ' The Trustees of the Freeholders 
and Commonalty of the town of Kingston," as far as they are 
accessible, will furnish a large portion of the data for this chapter. 
That corps of officials fonned, in provincial days, the local 
government of the town, both civil and judicial. The recital of 
facts connected with or relating to their fostering care exercised 
in educational and religious matters, will be reserved for the chap- 
ters specially relating to the academy and the church. 

The trustees, twelve in number, were elected annually ; they 
were empowered by tlieir charter to ordain rules and regulations 
for the good order of the territory within tlieir chartered limits, 
and to prescribe penalties for their violation, and make rules and 
regulations for their enforcement. 



184 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

In reference to their judicial power, the trustees were required, 
immediately after the annual election in the spring, to designate 
five of their number to sit and hold court every month, with petty, 
civil, and ci-iminal jurisdiction. The civil jurisdiction was limited 
to five pounds. Their criminal jurisdiction was the same as given 
by law to commissioners or local magistrates of the several towns in 
the province. The presiding officer of the trustees was called the 
speaker ; the presiding ofiicer of the magistrates was called the 
president. 

The tinistees continued in existence as a corporation until 1816, 
and upon tjieir dissolution, all their then existing records were 
required to be filed in the county clerk's office. Of the minutes of 
the proceedings of the trustees, prior to November 4th, 1713, only 
about half a dozen detached leaves of different dates are to be 
found. The book containing the rules and regulations adopted by 
the trustees for the good order and government of the territory is 
also gone. That such a book once existed is evident from a refer- 
ence made to it in the minute book of the trustees at a date subse- 
quent to the Revolution. 

The minute or record books of the local court, held under the 
charter, are also missing ; they are referred to in the minutes of the 
meeting of the trustees held December 7th, 1759, as being deposited 
with the treasurer. So that, with the exception of a few entries 
embraced in the trustee minutes of 1713-14, the entire minutes or 
records of the local court are gone. 

The record of conveyances, and the books containing the treas- 
urer' s accounts, are on deposit in the county clerk' s office. 

The names of the original trustees specified in the charter 
were, Garret Aertse, Jacob Aertson, Wilhelmus Demyer, Tennis 
Elisie, Willem Haines, Jan Wms. Hogghten, Willem Legge, Mat- 
tyze Mattice, Benjamin Provoost, Jacob Ruttsen, Derek Schep- 
mous, and Wessell Ten Brooge. 

One of the odd leaves saved from the general wreck of the old 
minutes contains a certificate of the residt of the first election held 
under the patent. Whether any, or, if so, how much of a contest 
there was does not appear. The election took place on the first 
Tuesday of March, 1689, and the following burghers were elected, 
showing some changes : 

Trustees : Jacob Aertson, Gan-et Aertse, Wilhelmus Demyer, 
Tjerck Clauson De Witt, Jan Hooke, Mattyze Mattice, Jan Mat- 
tice, Benjamin Provoost, Jacob Ruttsen, Derek Schepmous, Philip 
Schuyler, Wessell Ten Brooge. 

Constables : Johannis Wynkoop, Jan Hortuyn, WiUem Ganse. 

Assessors : Walrand Dumond, Tjerck Clase, Jan Willemse 
Hooghtyling. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 185 

Magistrates were designated as follows : Willielmus De Myei-, 
President ; Derek Schepmons, Jacob Ruttsen, Philip Schuyler, 
Jan Hooke. 

A full list of the trustees and magistrates, so far as known, and 
the presiding officers, will be given in the Appendix, also the 
supervisors up to 1788. 

There are three ordinances entered on one of the odd leaves so 
singularly presened, which from their date, November 21st, 1688, 
must have been among the tirst, if not the very first ones estab- 
lished. The following are copies. The first two would be as 
appropriate enactments for the present as they were for foraier 
times : 

" It is enacted and ordained, that no manner of person or per- 
sons whatsoever shall at any time run races, or have any disorderly 
riding in the town of Kingstowne, upon the penalty of six shillings 
for each default, also them that drive rapid at unseasonable hours. 

"It is further enacted, that no manner of person shall do any 
riding on the Sabbath day, upon the forfeiture of five shillings for 
each default. 

"It is further enacted and ordered, that no manner of vessels 
shall be admitted to bring strangers from any other town or coun- 
ty, but shall give notice tliereof to a constable where they are, 
and put in seciirity for their maintenance ; for want thereof such 
man shall be bound to take care for himself of his maintenance." 

The book of minutes of the trustees, containing a record of tlieir 
proceedings from November, 1713, to the year 1736, is among the 
deposits in the archives of the New York Historical Society. As 
appears by an indorsement theieon in the handwriting of Herman 
M. Romeyn, fonnerly a resident of Kingston, they were presented 
l)y him to the New York Historical Society in 1847, and noted 
by him to be valuable as containing the only copy extant (in 
Dutch) of a letter from the Classis of Amsterdam to the Dutch 
Church in this country. 

In that book the records of the local or town court are mixed 
in and inserted regularly with the trustee minutes for two or three 
years. After that there are no court entries. As those are, appar- 
ently, the only records of that court in existence, a full transcript 
of the record of proceedings in one of the suits as entered will be 
given. It may be of interest as exhibiting the manner in which 
objections made to interested parties sitting as judges were in 
those days, at times, disposed of. It will be recollected that five 
of the ti'ustees constituted the town court : 

" At a town court held at Kingston thii-d day of November 1714 
Present Maj. J Wynkoop, R Eltinge, H Pruyn and Jno Crooke 

" Jno Crook plff Jno AVood deft. 



186 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

" Tlie plif, by power of tlie Trustees, demands of the defendant 
twenty one bnshels of wheat, for quit rent of the Patent of George 
Meales and Richard Hayes, for three years quit rent. 

' ' Tlie defendant a})pears and would not answer, but alleges that 
he could not expect Justice, by reason of his Judges were plaintiffs. 
The court ordered judgment for twenty one bushels of wheat and 
costs of suit." 

After the conclusion of peace with the Indians, subsequent to 
the second Esopus Indian War, many of them migrated Westward 
and mingled with other tribes. Those that remained were broken 
down in spirits, and submitted entirely to the white man's control. 
Some were even reduced to domestic servitude, and treated much 
the same as negro slaves. They were, at times, very annoying to 
f amaers by entering and encamping upon their land ; and although 
the natives were thus subdued in spirit, the citizens did not care 
unnecessarily to anger them, and submitted to these annoyances, 
rather than have difficulty. Tradition furnishes a story in regard 
to a circumstance of that nature which may serve to illustrate 
alike the submissiveness and credulity of the natives. 

One or two families of Indians pitched their tents upon the 
farm of a man by the name of Schepmoes residing in the vicinity 
of the village. They annoyed him very much, and he determined 
to get rid of them. He knew that they were unable to jjronounce 
his name — the nearest they could approach it was Shopmoes. He 
went to them and told them that he was very subject to dreaming 
and wandering about in his sleep, and, when he did so, he was 
very destructive and would destroy anything within his reach. 
That it was then almost impossible to arouse him. The only thing 
that could awaken him was calling him by name. To carry out 
his plan, he provided himself with a raw-hide whip, common 
in tliose days, and about midnight started to their encamp- 
ment, routed them out, and cut and slashed in every direc- 
tion. The Indians rushed away crying SJiojjmoes, Skop?noes, but 
all to no purpose, until his work was completed, and they were clear 
of his premises. Afterward they complained bitterly to him. His 
retort was, " Why did you not call me by name, and wake me ; I 
warned you what you should do." They replied, " We did ; we did, 
we called Shopmoes, Shopmoes." He replied, "No wonder you 
could not wake me. That is not my name ; it is Schepmoes." The 
Indians changed their quarters and he was not troubled with 
them any more. 

The submissive and inoffensive demeanor of the Esopus 
Indians encouraged many of the inhabitants, as well as immi- 
grants, to extend their residences outside of the village, and 
build upon and occupy their farms, also to substitute a better class 



HISTORY OF KIXOSTOTf. 187 

of dwellings for their occupancy. The temporary wooden struc- 
tures now gaA-e place rapidly to substantial dwellin^^s of blue lime- 
stone, usually one story in height, witii an attic under a very steep 
roof. The original walls of many of the dwellings built about 
that time are still standing, both in the old village section of 
Kingston, and also upon many lanns in the vicinity. Many of 
those walls, even at this day in Kingston, after having encountered 
the conflagration of 1777, are still sound, and mechanics, in 
many cases, have found more diHiculty in tearing down such 
walls on account of the superiority of the mortar than those of 
modern erection. Some of the ruins left after the burning of 
Kingston, standing naked and exjjosed to the elements for neai'ly 
threescore yeare, were taken down finally with great difficulty, 
the stones themselves breaking and giving way before the 
mortar ; and when, Anally, they were brought down bj^ scores 
of men pulling at the end of ropes fastened to the top of the 
walls, which had been previously undermined, the walls lay on 
the ground broken iip in large chunks, which required the free 
use of the sledge-hammer to break in pieces. It has been mis- 
takenly asserted that those ruins were not rebuilt on account of 
the injuries caused to the walls by the lire. If that had been so 
they could not have stood as they did exposed to the weather for 
half a century, and then as they did tax the ingeniiity of the own- 
ers to level them to the earth. 

The early settlers when they procured their titles direct by pur- 
chase from the Indians, could only do so with the consent of the 
ruling powers. Such consent requii-ed a special application to the 
governor, and the consent, if given, was in writing. The following 
is a copy of a consent given by Governor Nanfan, in 1701 : 



i 



L.S. 



" By the houo'ble John Nanfan Esq his Majes- 
ties Gov 'rand Commander in Chief of the Province 
of New York and countries depending thereon in 



America gr'd in council. 



" I do hereby give and grant full and free liberty leave and 
license unto Albert Rosa of the county of Ulster to purchase of 
and from the native Indians pro])rietors thei'eof a parcel of vacant 
land in the county of Ulster containing about thi'ee hundred acres 
called by the Indians by the name of Cheguagobonb lying to the 
northwest of Kingston upon a certain creek called Saw Kill west- 
erly above a certain sawmill of Wm Legg and near the high 
mountains in order that he may have a patent for the same under 
the broad seal of the Province provided the said purchase be made 
before one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the said county 
anil returned in council within twelve months after the date hereof. 



188 HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

Given under my hand and seal at Fort Wm Henry in New York 
this twelfth day of March 1701 and the fourteenth year of the 
reighn of our Sovereign Lord William the third by the Grace of 
God of England Scotland ffrance and Ireland King defender of the 
faith etc John Nanfan 

' ' pr order of Council 
"N CosENS Ck Council" 

After the purchase of the property was made before a justice of 
the peace, and a certificate thereof filed, the governor gave a con- 
finnatory deed or patent resenting an annual quit rent uijon the 
farming lands, generally of a specified quantity of wheat to be 
delivered in New York at the Government house. The settlers in 
Esopus had generally taken sufficient land to supply their im- 
mediate wants for residence and cultivation. They were not cursed 
with any of the large manorial grants so injurious to the prosper- 
ity and settlement of a new country. The desire and policy of the 
inliabitants turned in an entirely different direction. Their bent 
was in the direction of freedom ; they wanted their work and their 
toil to enure to the benefit of themselves and their families, and 
not to the landlords. This led to the procurement of the patent 
hereinbefore referred to, and set forth in full in the Appendix, for 
the general benefit of the entire community. 

The lands being thus placed in the hands of trustees, subject 
through the medium of annual elections to account to their ces- 
tui que trusts for the proper discharge of their duties, were, when 
disposed of, sold and conveyed in quantities, and on terms to suit 
the requirements and convenience of the purchaser, and with very 
few exceptions in such amounts only as were needed for agricul- 
tural or business purposes. From this sweeping clause must be 
excepted the very liberal grants of land made by them to the 
churches within their boundaries, and to Kingston Academy, which 
will be particularly noted elsewhei-e. The lands remaining unsold 
were used by the inhabitants, who were freeholders having the 
qualifications described in the grant, for the supply of fuel, fenc- 
ing material, and other common domestic purposes. 

The trustees held frequent meetings, but their minutes, which 
have been found, contain very little else for many years than pro- 
ceedings for the sale of lands and consideration of applications to 
purchase. It was not usual for them to enter any of tlieir ordi- 
nances or by-laws for the government of the place and i^eople in 
their minute book, so that with the disappearance of their book of 
ordinances aU trace of the local laws and regulations adopted by 
them for the government of tlie place are also gone. 

Under the charter, there were some foi-malities to be observed 



) 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 189 

in the enactment of their ordinanres ; besides the passage of a 
foniial resolution, a waniint or autliority for that pm-pose was 
required to emanate from a justice of tlie peace. In order to show 
the proceedings deemed necessarj', and tlie practii-e adopted, a 
statement of some of the preliminary i)roceedings for that purpose 
found in tlie county clerk's office will be given. 

In the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Trustees, held on 
the 24th day of November, 1733, is entered an order appointing 
Christoi)her Tappen, John Ten Broeck, and Jonathan Davenport, 
a committee " to examine into the orders of the Trustees made 
from time to time, and make report thei-eof, and also what further 
orders are requisite and necessary to be made for the good and 
benefit of the town."- 

On the I'ith day of December following, a wan-ant, of which 
the following is a copy, was issued by Jolumnis Jansen, one of the 
justices of the pea«e, for service on the trustees : 

" Ulster County, ss., Johannis Jansen, Esq., one of the Justices 
,-_^— ^ of the Pea«e for said county, assigned and residing in 
I ( the town of Kingston Greeting : Wliereas Capt. Joh's 

1 Ten Broeck, Hendrick Jansen and Igonas Dumont, 
^^^ three of the Ti-ustees of said town have, pursuant to 
the charter of said town, requested a publick summons, to assemble 
the Trustees of said town to make such acts and orders in writing 
for the more orderly government of said towTi ; You are therefore 
hereby summoned that you, the present Trustees of the Freehold- 
ers and Commonalty of the towTi of Kingston, do this present day 
assemble, at the County House in said town, to make such acts 
and orders in writing for the more orderly doing of the premises 
as you shall or may think convenient. 

" Given under my hand and seal this 12th day of Decem. in 
the seventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the 
Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain France and Ireland 
King defender of the Faith etc Anno Domini one thousand seven 
hundred and thirty three. 

"Johannis Jansen." 

The minutes do not show what report was made, or what acts 
and orders were adopted. There is a memomndum indorsed on 
the warrant, as follows : "At a meeting of the Trustees the 12th 
of December, 1733, the Trustees met and had the following orilers 
published as hereunto annexed." But the orders are all missing. 

Simple resolutions are, occasionally, found recorded in the 
minutes looking to the protection of the common property from 
waste and injury, also for the observance of order and quiet, and 



190 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

to prevent disturbance in the streets of the villcage, especially on 
the Sabbath, of which a few samples will be given. 

Although free use could be made of the commons by the com- 
moners for individual and family uses, they considered it waste, 
and would not permit individual use of any part of the wood, tim- 
ber, or limestone, for transportation and sale outside of the cor- 
poration without a special license and payment for the privilege. 
Hence the following orders entered in the minutes of the trustees, 
as passed at a meeting held by the trustees on the 17th day of 
February, 1719, as follows : " Ordered that there shall be no wood, 
brush, stone, lime, tar or charcoal transported or canied out of 
the corporation, that is made in the corporation, upon the forfeit- 
ure of five pounds for every such default, to be levied by the cor- 
poration court upon those that do so carry any of the aforesaid 
things or species." 

On the 17th of February, 1721, in order to prevent strangers 
from coming in, and by obtaining a residence and becoming free- 
holders, acquire an interest in the common property, the following 
order was made " that no stranger shall set up his trade, or occu- 
pation within the Corporation unless he pay for his freedom £3." 

The trustees, by the sale of corporate property, acquired con- 
siderable money to loan to the citizens, and also held securities for 
lands sold upon credit, and thus were, to a considerable amount, 
creditors of sundry inhabitants. What is not very common with 
creditors, they appear to have studied the interest of their debtors 
and those desiring financial help, especially in the passage of a reso- 
lution on the 2d day of March, 1728, reducing the rate of interest 
to six per cent on the bonds held by them, and further declaring 
that, ' ' what money is let to the Freeholders shall pay but six per 
cent and give security ; and that such persons as are able to let 
money out themselves, shall not have it unless they pay eight per 
cent, and that all persons without the coiporation pay eight per 
cent." 

That resolution shows a peculiar regard of the worthy burghers 
for the poor. They not only reduce the rate of interest to them 
to six per cent, but to prevent the rich from taking advantage of 
the reduction by borrowing at the reduced rate, and then loaning 
at a higher, they require them to pay at the old rate. In the 
month of May, 1748, they made a further reduction of interest on 
their bonds to five per cent. 

On the 9th of April, 1729, an order was made by the trustees, 
which, if continued at the present day, and strictly enforced, with 
an extension to cigars and cigarettes, would in all probability save 
much valuable pi'operty from ascending in smoke to the heavens. 
It is as follows : " Ordered that if any body shall go along the 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 191 

streets, after sunset, with a lighted pipt^ in liis month or liand, he 
shall forfeit tliree shillings for each offence, tlie one lialf for the 
informer, the other half for the Poor, and if a negro to be wliipped 
thirteen lashes." 

At same meeting they adopted an ordinance prohil>iting per- 
sons riding through the streets faster tlian a moderate trot under 
the same penalty. 

It appears that in those days not only was the whip]iing-post 
in use, but women weiv not exemi)tc<l from the lash. By a reso- 
lution adopted at a meeting of the ti-ustees, held on the 17th 
day of January, 1748, it was ordered that, in the event of a whij)- 
per being needed in the case of a woman then under i)rt)secutiou, 
Mr. Johannis Jansen should agree with one. 

The trustees were, fi'om a very early date, greatly hai-assed by 
suits brought against them to settle their outside boundary lines, 
and to resist encroachments by adjoining proprietors, and also to 
defend stiits l)rought by the attorney-genei-:il against some of the 
citizens which the trustees were called upon to defend. 

The suits first above referred to were not to be wondered at, 
owing to the loose, uncertain, and conliicting character of the de- 
scriptions drawn without actual survey. 

The otlier class of suits do not ajipear to have been based upon 
the least i)article of right or justice. They were apparently 
brought under the idea that, from the manner in which the par- 
ticular court * to which resort was had was c-onstituted, and with 
corruption existing in high places, either a recovery would be had, 
right or wrong, or they would prove profitable blackmailing 
bonanzas. 

The last-mentioned suits were brought for the recovery of quit 
rents reserved in patents granted before the date of the Kingston 
grant. But the Kingston patent included, within its desci'iption, 
the territory of all those former grants without any reservation or 
exception whatever, except a declaration that " nothing therein 
contained, shall be construed to enervate hurt or destroy any the 
right title interest property claim and demand of any person or 
persons holding by virtue of any foniier grant." That reserves 
no right or interest to the grantor, it is a provision for the i)rotec- 
tion of the grantee. After such absolute transfer by the crown to 
the trustees, for the crown to attempt to collect quit rents upon 
those former grants is the same as if a lessor, at the present day, 
should, after making an absolute sale and conveyance of the land 
covered by the lease, seek to recover the subsequently accruing 
rent from his foiTner lessee. 

* The Court of Chancery, whicli had been recently established, without right or 
authority of law, by Governor Hunter, witli himself as Chancellor. 



192 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

The trustees well considered that the patent to them operated 
as an assignment and transfer to them of all subsequently accruing 
quit rents upon those prior conveyances, and they had collected the 
quit rents, when they became due, as their right. Consequently, 
they were compelled to enter the lists and indemnify and defend. 

However plain the question may have appeared to them, and 
however just and equitable was their defence, they had to deal 
with the protegees of royalty sent here in the capacity of governors 
and attorney-generals to amass princely fortunes upon small sal- 
aries. The bulk of them, if they were not adepts in the science 
when they came, soon learned the way with willing and accommo- 
dating consciences to such an extent that great wondennent was 
excited as to how and where the public funds had been appropri- 
ated. These tools of royalty evidently conceived that they had 
discovered a convenient prey in the sturdy burghers of Kingston. 

What may have occurred previously, or what entries may have 
been made in the book of minutes which is lost, is not known, but 
the first entry found, in reference to such suits, is in the record of 
a meeting held by the trustees on the 24th of May, 1714. A state- 
ment is there made of an agreement made by the trustees with 
John Crooke (a Kingston lawyer) to go to New York to take care 
of the corporation affairs concerning quit rents. And it was also 
stated in the minutes that Mr. Tennis Ellison was sued in chan- 
cery for the quit rents which the corporation had received. The 
trustees resolved to defend the suits from the date of their charter, 
and claimed ' ' that the Trustees have a right, as grantees of the 
fee, to receive the quit rents which Ellison is sued for." 

There are no further entries in the minutes in regard to the 
Ellison suits. But there are frequent entries stating the com- 
mencement of scores of other suits of the same character. 

The trustees having failed in repeated efforts made by them to 
stop the multiplication of suits and have the question tested in a 
single case to be brought to trial, passed a resolution at a meeting 
held by them on the 2d of March, 1723, as follows : " Resolved 
that Mr Livingston draw a petition to his Excellency, in order to 
stop the proceedings of Mr Canada, if possible, in issuing subpoenas 
against Freeholders of the Corporation of Kingston for their par- 
ticular quit rents, the coi-poration being already in action about 
the same cases." 

There is nothing in the minutes in regard to the result of such 
mission, but as the minutes show frequent receipts of more chan- 
cery subpoenas in the years 1734 and 1735, during the administra- 
tion of Governor Cosby, it does not apjjear to have been successful. 

In May, 1737, during the administration of Governor Clark, the 
chancery subpoenas for quit rents were again showered down, and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 193 

the trustees were compelled to employ counsel and assume more 
defences. 

In April, 1741, tliey were favored with more I'efreshing showers 
of the same character, and of course directed their council to ap- 
pear and defend, at the same time requesting him to have one suit 
tried as a test case. From this it would seem that as yet there 
had been no tiial, and if the fomier suits had not been settled, 
they still were all pending. 

It does not appear from any entries in the records what became 
of any of the suits, whether they contributed anything to the gov- 
ernor's perquisites or not. Possibly the attorney-general may 
have been satistied with the costs draAvn by him on their account 
from the public crib, and thus let them die away, not daring to 
risk a trial after failing to alarm. At all events there are no 
further records of quit-rent suits. 

In the year 178S a question arose as to the north bounds of 
Kingston, where it bordered on Albany County. This, of course, 
involved title of the parties within the disputed territory, who 
received their conveyances from the trustees. The question in- 
volved appeared to be this : Albany, in the original descrijation, 
extended south to Sawyer's Creek ; Ulster is described as ex- 
tending to Albany Coimty on the north. Sa\vyers Creek empties 
into the Hudson, just north of the present village of Saugerties. 
Its rise, however, is a few miles back from the river, 1)ut several 
miles to the north of its mouth. It runs a southerly course, nearly 
parallel with the river for several miles, and then, taking a short 
turn, empties into the river at the place above stated. Thus, 
Albany extending down to Sawyer's Creek, the question was, 
Did it stop when it reached the headwaters, or did it extend to the 
mouth ? The original survey, it was claimed, adopted the head- 
waters (" Steene Haert Fonteyne"), and the trustees made con- 
veyances, and the town assessors assessed the inhabitants accord- 
ingly. The assessors, fearing to be involved in trouble by making 
such assessments in the disputed territory, asked the trustees to 
indemnify them, which they did annually by a fonnal resolution. 

The question was brought at different times, through petitions 
and remonstrances, before the Provincial Assembly, but the matter 
never was definitely settled by them. It continued a controveited 
question of jurisdiction until the arrangement of to%vns and coun- 
ties under the State constitution. The question of title was after- 
ward disposed of and settled in the State Supreme Court by judg- 
ments in favor of the tnistees in some ejectment suits involving the 
question. 

To show a very effectual mode adopted by some of the burghers 
in the early days of the settlement of the country to strengthen th6 
13' 



194 HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 

memory of their offspring, the following extract is given from the 
testimony of a witness perpetuated in one of those ejectment cases. 
The examination was taken November 27th, 1802, and is as fol- 
lows : 

" Margaret Snyder, the Vife of Zachariah Snyder, being duly 
sworn deposeth and saith, that she is the daughter of Valentine 
Fiero, and near sixty seven years of age, that she was born and 
brought up at her fathers, and after being married removed to 
near the ' Steene Haert,' and lived there 'till about twenty years 
ago. When she was ten, twelve, or thirteen years of age, her 
father turned the cattle (as she believes about the 25 April) in the 
woods near the Steene Haert Fonteyne,* where one of the cows was 
entangled in the morass. She went to see, and found a cow, which 
she called her own, just drawn out. . . . 

" Her father having cut a switch took her to the north side of 
the Steene Haert rock, and taking her by her hair, told her that 
he would give her something to remember, that that side was 
Albany, showing her letters and gave her a smart whipping. After 
which he took her to the south side of said rock, and told her that 
side was Esopus, and pointed at letters on that side of the rock, 
and giving her a second whipping, told her to remember that he 
had been flag bearer, and Peter York and Nicholas Branden were 
chain bearers on the survey, and that was the line between Albany 
and Esopus, and after his death, if any dispute should arise she 
might remember it." 

In the year 1702, a jiatent was gi-anted in the reign of Queen 
Anne to Johannis Hardenbergh and his associates for a very large 
tract of land which bordered on the grant made to the trustees. 
As the descriptions contained in the royal gi'ants of those days 
were necessarily very general, and not usually accompanied by 
any previous survey, there was much room left for litigation be- 
tween adjoining owners. That was the case in regard to the boun- 
dary line between the Hardenbergh patentees and the trustees of 
Kingston. A severe litigation arose between them, and was kept 
up for many years before final adjustment. It was terminated by 
arbitration in the year 1746, and Charles Clinton was employed by 
the trustees to run the line as fixed by the arbitrators. 

During the pendency of that litigation, and in the year 1728, 
an order was made by the Supreme Court directing Jacobus Van- 
dyck, the sheriff of Ulster County, to make a general list of the 
freeholders in his Bailwyck (Ulster County), so that a special jury 
could be struck therefrom. He made his return to the court on the 
7th day of July, 1728. The following is a list of the names re- 

* The Steene Haert Fonteyne (spring) is understood to be the headwaters of Sawyer's 
Kill. 



IIISTOHY OF KINGSTON". 



195 



turned by him as the freeliolders in the town of Kingston at that 
time ; it of course falls far short of tlie wliole number of inhab- 
itants. It embraces the entire town as it then existed : 

The ffreeholders for the Town of Kingston, Vis^ 



Williarii Sdicpmoes 

Coennu't Klmciuiorp Ksqr 

Doct Jacobus Klmendorp 

Simon Van Wagcnen 

Tjerik De Witt 

Walran Dii Mond 

Gerrit Van Wagenen 

John Slcjiht 

Nicholas llofnian 

Maltys f^lcjrlit 

Petrus Bogardus 

Samuel Nights 

William Kllinge 

William Ik'rris 

Hendriok Pruj-n 

Major Johannis Wynkoop 

Mattys PiTsi'ii 

William Doughty 

Phillip Vicly 

Lewis Duliois Junr 

Thomas Ikckman 

Jerononuis Klyn 

Nicolas Dronibocr 

Christyaen Myer 

Peter Mouerse 

Jurya Overpagh 

Juryan Snyder 

Felter Fier 

Peter Wynnen 

Lowrens Mfrkcll 

Jacob Rutsen Junr 

Coll Wessel Ten Brook 

Johannis V. Steenberge 

Abraham V. Steenberge 

Johannis Swartt 

Philip Moore 

Johannis Jaiisen 

John Makleyn 

Doct Hans Kierstcedcn 

Coriulius Delametre 

Johannis Delametre 

Coll Abraham Gaasbeek 

Chambers 
Christophell Tappen 
Mattys Van Keuren 
Abraham De Lametre 
Gisbcrt Van Denbergh 
Johannis Tappen 
Abraham Low 
Thomas Van Steenberge 



Jacob Ten Brook Esqr 
Johannis Ten Brook 
Jonas De Lange 
William Plocgh 
John Crook Junr 
Hendrik Oosterhout 
John Oostcrho\it Junr 
Mattys Van Steenberge 
Anthony Sleght 
Nathaniel Devenpoort 
Johannis Low 
Maj Johannis Hardenbergh 
Peter Tappen 
Tjerik Van kueren 
Samuel Burhans 
Aldert Kierstceden 
Evert Koosa 
Solomon Bunschooten 
Hendrik H : Schoonmaker 
Eghbert Sehoonmaker 
Edward VVhitlaker Esqr 
Aris Van Steenberge 
Lowrens Hendrik 
Andries Heermans 
Johannis Turck 
Stephen Gasharie 
Cornelius Van kueren 
Cornelius Swartt 
Tennis adamse Swart 
John Davenpoort 
Hasteyaen De Witt 
Tobias Van Bueren 
Teunis Swartt 
John Wels 
Johannis Masten 
Adam Swartt 
William Swartt 
Jacobus De Lametre 
Lowrens Swart 
Cornelius Elmendorp 
Johannis Schoonmaker 
Hendrik Jansen 
John Oosterhout 
John Ploegh 
John Wood Senr 
John Wood Junr 
Edward Wood 
John Legg 
Peter Luyks 
Peter Peele 



James Whitaker 
William Legg 
Peter Oosterhout 
Cryn Oosterhout 
John Pelerse Oosterhout 
Jacobus Du Bois 
Aric Kuyckendall 
Jacobus A Van Etten 
Hiskiagh Du Bois 
Nicolas De Myer 
Hendriek Brinck 
Cornelius Langendyck 
Barent Burhans 
Evert Wynkoop Esqr 
John Persen 
Arie Newkerk 
.Johannis Snyder 
.Johannis Wm Snyder 
Harmanus Hommel 
Frederik Merkel 
William Keel 
Andries Hoff 
Gysbert Peele 
Peter Van Leuven 
Moses Cantyn 
Mattys Du Bois 
Wilhelmus Hooghtelingh 
Peter Van Acken 
Boudwyn Lacount 
Manuel Gonsalisduck 
Manuel Gonsalisduck Junr 
William Traphagen 
Peek De Witt 
Arie Van Vliet 
John Freer 

Johannis Hd Sehoonmaker 
Aldert Ariese Roosa 
Charles Brodhead 
Dedrick Soets 
John Wolf 

Christopher Wanbomel 
David De Lametre 
Hendriek Frelingh 
William Smith ] 
Hendriek Ruyter 
Hiskiag Schoonmaker 
Jacob Middagh 
Coeuraet Uightmyer 
Tjerik Schoonmaker 



196 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



The ffreeholders of Wagaghhemelc : 

Harme baientse Van Emweegen Samuel Swartwout 

Peter Gomar Barnardus Swartwout Junr 

John Van Vliet Junr Jacob Kuddebeck 

The following is a " list of the military and civil officers in the 
county of Ulster, and also of the old officers and old men," as re- 
turned by the sheriff of Ulster County, in July, 1728, at the same 
time that he returned the list of freeholders for the struck jury in 
suit of Hardenbergh -vs. Corporation of Kingston, for the pur- 
pose, probably, of showing the exempts from jury duty : 



' A LEST OF THE COMMANDING OFFICERS AS WELL MILLETERY AND 

SIVEL. 



Cello Jacob Rutsen 

Major Jno hardenburgh 



Levt CoUo Abram Gasbeek Chammers 
Adgedent Geysebert Van Denbergh 



Collo Henry Beekman 
Cap : Dereck Schepmoies 
Mr Arie Gerese 
Mr Eghbert Schonmaker 



Justices. 

Mr Corneles Coll 
Mr George Medaegh 
Mr Lodwyck borenbeek 



Mr Josef hasbrok 
Mr Jacobes Bruyn 
Mr Mattyse Janse 



Capt Mattys Mattyse 
Levt Jno beremans 
Mr Jno Wynkoop 
Mr. Ja Arisen 

Capt Joqem Schonmaker 
Mr Moses Dupue 
Mr Tuenes Osterhout 
Mr Jacob De Witt 
Mr Sander Roosekrans 
Mr Cornels Swets 



OLD OFE8EKS AND OLD MEN 

Mr Geysebert Van Garden 

Capt Tomes Gerten 
Capt Cherels Brodhed 
Capt Richert Brodhed 
Mr Geysebert Crooem 
Mr Jno Coock 



Capt Abram hasbroiek 
Mr Lawies Bovie 



Levt Sallomon Duboys 
Levt Beniamen Smedes 
Levt Nicolas meyer 
Mr Mattys Sleght 

Capt Conraet Elvendorp 
Mr Evert Bogardus 
Mr Tuenes tapen 
Capt Wessel tenbrok 
Mr Albert Roosa" 



The following is a summary statement of the census taken of 
Ulster County in the year 1703, which it may be proper to give in 
this connection : 

CENSUS OF ULSTER CO. 1703. 



The Sererall Torniee 
in the county 


CS.-1 


M 


s 


a 
So 


11 


ss 

SI? 




a O t. 


Isi 
IP 


3 


Pals 


40 
67 
55 
34 

187 


2 
3 

4 

14 


23 
56 
37 
31 
159 


32 

107 

49 

41 

207 


25 
83 
61 
43 
146 


5 

9 

11 

12 

46 


3 
3 

5 

7 

19 


1 

5 
3 
5 

17 


1 
1 

3 
3 
9 


130 


Rochester 

Marblctowne. . . . 


334 
227 
174 


Kings towne 


804 




383 


23 


305 


436 


357 


83 


36 


31 


15 


1669 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 197 

Tliere was no regular feny established across the river at Kings- 
ton until the year 1752, and at that time the nearest established 
ferry nortli across the Hudson was at Albany, and toward the 
south at Newburgh. Jacob Kipp, who settled at Rhinebeck about 
lfi80, owTied a large tract of land there extending for a considerable 
distance along the river. He, after his settlement there, and until 
his death, was accustomed to carry passengers across the river 
without any permit or license. After his death his son Abraham 
did likewise. 

Moses Cantine, who owned Columbus Point on the Kingston 
side of the river, from about 1740, onward, had also l)uilt a dock 
and f uinished boats to transport travellers across the river. 

On the 5th day of August in the year 1752, Governor Clinton, in 
accordance with the prayer of their joint petition, issued a patent 
to the said Abraham Kijip and Moses Cantine, granting to them, 
their heirs and assigns forever, "the full free sole and Avhole power, 
liberty and authority, privilege and right of setting up, establish- 
ing, using keeping and enjoying a jjublic ferry to be duly kept 
and attended for the conveniency of passing and repassing witli 
travelers and their horses, cattle and goods whatsoever, to and from 
the said landings of the said Abraham Kij^p and Moses Cantine, 
exclusive of all others to keep and ferry within two nules above 
and below the said landings," with right to charge fees as therein 
particidarly spe(nfied, except that they wei-e not obliged to trans- 
I)ort any person, cattle, or goods from the first day of November 
to the first day of March, after sunset, or from the first day of 
^farch to the first day of November, after eight o'clock at night, 
without double fees, and then only during that part of the year 
when boats could pass over the river without apparent danger from 
the ice. *" 

Tlie feny then established has ever since been conducted and 
maintained under the old charter, with changes in the character of 
the boats and their proiielling power in accordance with the im- 
provements of the times, and changes of location of temiini as de- 
manded for the public convenience. 

The first ferry-boat seen by the writer upon that ferry was a 
periauger, then the horse-boat was substituted, using hoi-se-power 
to turn the wheels, and the next change was to the steamboat. 

On the 27th of July, 1753, the trustees agreed to build a market^ 
house thirty feet long by sixteen feet in width, and appointed 
Petrus Smedes to superintend its constniction. On the 19th day 
of October, some progress having been made toward the constnic- 
tion of the building, the ti'u.stees by resolution granted an allow- 
ance to Petrus Smedes of a gallon of rum for a morning dram to 
the workmen. Although they made this liberal allowance for an 



198 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

" eye-opener," they do not appear to have added anything for a 
" mid-day strengthener," but they directed a further allowance of 
" a reasonable accommodation of liquor to the People that shall 
raise the said market house," or, in other words, provided for a 
regular old-fashioned "raising bee." In those days the frames 
were made of hewn oak, not sawn timber, and of such size as not 
to be manageable without assistance, so the neighbors were called 
in to help, and, cheerfully responding, were rewarded with thanks 
and the flowing bowl, turning work into play. 

The fanners, too, had their husking bees. As soon as the corn 
was brought into the barn and severed from the stalk, neighbors 
were called in to aid in husking. The barn being as well illumi- 
nated as practicable by candles, after the ordinary farm work of the 
day was finished, the gathering of the neighboring friends com- 
menced, and the work began. The jug, or flowing bowl, was fre- 
quently passed around, the evening enlivened with songs and stories, 
and not infrequently followed by a hot pot-pie supper at mid- 
night. The farmer could the next morning contemplate a large 
pile of com severed from the husks and ready for the market. 
Everything of that kind in those days had to be done by hand and 
without the aid of any of the labor-saving machinery of the pres- 
ent time, and hence the need of extra help outside of the ordi- 
nary working hours. 

By a law passed in 1743, the southern part of the county of 
Ulster was divided into three precincts, and an additional super- 
visor given to the coi-poration of Kingston and Manor of Foxhall. 
So that thereafter the town of Kingston, including Foxhall, was 
represented by two supervisors in the county board during the ex- 
istence of the colonial Government. 

In March, 1753, the trustees became very much troubled in re- 
gard to questions that were raised in reference to the legality and 
juiisdiction of their local court, as the sheriff refused any longer to 
execute their processes. 

They then appointed Messrs. Evert Wynkoop and Jan Eltinge 
a committee to go and consult with counsel in the city of New 
York, and if their counsel considered the charter defective, then 
they were to endeavor to get an explanatory cliarter. The report 
of the committee is not given, but it appears not to have been sat- 
isfactory, for in May they sent the same committee to consult with 
the chief justice in regard to the validity of their alleged power to 
hold a town court under the provisions of then- charter, and if 
they had not the right what proceeding should be taken by them 
to acquire it. The response they received was against the validity 
of the charter, and in April, 1754, they sent another committee. 
Evert Wynkoop and Peter E. Elmendorf, to New York to pro- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 199 

cure an " explanatory charter." Altliougli the trustees continued 
their efforts for many years to procure tlie charter amendments, 
they were not successful. But still they went through the form 
every year, until the fomiation of the State Govemment to desig- 
nate their local court and elect an officer to serve processes, etc. 
Each year they passed a fonnal resolution to indemnify him 
against any suits that might be brought against him on account of 
the service and execution of such processes. But the trustees do 
not ajipear ever to have been called upon to respond for any 
damages. 

In the year 1750, owing to the call for building lots in the vil- 
lage, it became necessary for tlie trustees to lay out some additional 
lots. They appointed a meeting to be held on the 6th day of Oc- 
tober, 1750, " sun an hour higli," at the house of Cornelius Elmen- 
dorf (corner of Maiden Lane and Fair Street), to see in what man- 
ner the house lots along the Annbowery should be laid out, and 
also to locate a buning-ground for the slaves. (Any trastee not 
attending was to be lined a pint of wine.) 

At that time, without doubt, St. James Street was located, and 
the burying-ground for colored people designated and laid out, on 
the west side of Pine Street, about two hundred feet south of St. 
James Street, where it is now covered by a lumber-yard. It was 
used as a burying-place for over one hundred years. 

On the 0th of October, 1736, the trustees resolved to build a 
dock at the landing where most convenient for the wood to be 
drawn, and appointed a conmiittee to see whether " there was 
wood enough behind the island of Moses Cantine toward the 
Steep rocks." It is supposed that the dock thus authorized was 
the first regular dock built, and was located at Ponckhockie, 
where the Tremper Dock was afterward built, and wliich was 
obliterated when some of the present ship-yards in that vicinity 
were erected. 

On the 30th day of May, 1780, jiemiission was given by the 
trustees to Cornelius Delameter to build a mill on the west side of 
Rondout Creek above the Twaalf skill, "so far in the Creek 
that a sloop can come up to it." Tliat, it is tliought, must relate 
to the building of a mill below the faUs at the place now called 
EddyviUe. 

It is not on but above the Twaalfskill that the mill was located, 
and there are no falls in the creek below Eddyville, which is at 
least a mile above the Twaalfskill. 

On the 27th day of November, 1754, the trustees detemiining to 
send to England for a fire-engine, appointed Petrus E. Elmendorf 
to attend to it, and directed that eighty pounds in cash be handed 
to him for that purpose. It could not be procured in this country 



290 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

by reason of the English prohibition against the establishment of 
manufactories on this side the water. 

The engine was received in the spiing of 1757, and at a meeting 
of the trustees held on the 15th of May, of that year, it was i:)ut in 
charge of William Eltinge " to take care of the same, and to clean 
and grease the same, and keep the same in good order, until March 
next for twenty shillings." 

There does not appear to have been a lire company organized 
at that time to work the engine, but volunteers were to be relied 
on in case its use became necessary. 

In the diary kept by Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck are recorded 
memoranda of extraordinary storms and unusually severe weather 
occurring in diiferent years during the eighteenth century, which 
it may be interesting to notice. It appears also from his diary 
that there were great swarms of locusts in the several years, 1724, 
1741, 1758, and 1775. 

He states that ' ' in the month of June, 1724, there was a tem- 
pestuous shower attended with great wind and very severe thunder 
and lightning and rain, together with hailstones as large as pul- 
lets' eggs, to such an extent that the fields were in a short time 
overflowed with water, and grain, apples, and young fruit trees were 
destroyed." In June, 1751, there was a shower of a similar 
character. 

In the wdnter of 1737 there was a great fall of rain, which froze 
on the trees as it fell, and so loaded them with ice that " thousands 
of them broke in pieces by the great weight of the ice." 

On the 17th and 18th days of May, 1758, there Avas a very gTeat 
flood of water, and on tlie 24th day of the same month there was a 
storm which he thus describes : " Then we had a tempestuous and 
violent shower with rain wind and hailstones very large. Wind 
N.N.E. which destroyed all the rye aj)ples and gardens, and almost 
all the fruit trees ai'e damaged. Almost all the glass lights in the 
houses and church facing to the N.N.E. are beat to pieces and 
broken. The very apple trees which are but young the bark M'as 
beaten loose by the weight and violence of the hailstones that fell. 
Some fowls of the air were struck dead by the hailstones that fell 
upon them." 

In the year 1770 there were vast quantities of worms during the 
month of Jnly, and in 1773 large numbers of caterpillars doing 
great damage, the catex-pillars making siaecial havoc in ajjple 
and oak trees. 

In October, 1779, there was an unusually great flood, and on 
the 9th of May, 1781, there was another, which he thus describes : 
' ' There was a very high or gi'eat flood at Esopus. The Rondout 
Creek said to be higher than it had been in 88 years past. It was 



niSTOKY OF KINGSTON. 201 

about three feet higher than the fiood of 1779 in October. It washed 
away a great deal of hind, broke the banks of the Creek, carried 
away the Mill of Petrus ^lynderts and did a great deal of damage, 
in many places horses and cows were lost, fences carried away etc. 
etc." 

It appears also from other sources that the summer of 1760 was 
a very remarkable one on account of the gi'eat rainfall and freshet. 
The appearance of the grain before harvest gave promise of very 
abundant crojjs, but during harvest they were visited witli so much 
and such frequent rains that the greater part of the wheat was grown, 
and much of it ejitirely spoiled. The freshet is thus described in a 
letter dated August llth, 1760, written by Charles De Witt, of 
Greenkill : " But of all the showers of rain that ever I saw, I have 
seen none to equal that on Saturday tlie 20th ult, when here fell 
so much that the watei' came streaming down the street, or rather 
rolling wave after wave like a small river. My thoTights were 
very much tixed on the great foundation of the whole globe, when 
the fountiuns of the great deep were broken up, and the windows 
of heaven opened, jiouring the water down in such quantities as 
aged peoi^le have not before known. At Twaalf.skill it has made 
great devastation. Old Mr Delametters mill rendered entirely 
useless, 'till broke down and rebuilt, his son Abram cannot be 
ready in a short time. Mr John Du Bois fulling mill broke all to 
pieces. Mr Petrus Smedes mill, in Kingston, the dam broke and 
gutter gone, £100 will not make that. The whole loss here is very 
considerable, besides a very melancholy sight to see jjeople's whole 
dependence of subsistence thrown to pieces. The loss in Mr Dela- 
metters mill of wheat, brown Hour unpacked etc. I cannot guess." 

************ 

" This year I think is a very remarkable year worthy of notice, 
and ought to cause us to reflect on the conduct of our life. It is a 
very signal visit fi-om the Almighty God, these great rains which 
have thrown do\\-n strong buddings, and the continuance thereof 
day after day might cause any considerate person to fear that 
nothing would be left of the harvest the ensuing year ; but blessed 
be God who has yet in mercy left us plenty. May the judgments 
and mercies of God excite us to an earnest seeking, and deep humil- 
iation, before the throne of grace, imploring that God may be 
pleased to avert heavier strokes to fall upon our guilty heads 
which we justly deserve." 

At elections for trustees, originally, the votes were taken viva 
voce. In February, 1770, under a law empowering the trustees to 
regulate annual elections for constables and other officers, a ques- 
tion was raised in the board in reference to the qualiticatious of 
voters, and also the mode of voting. The trustees detennined that 



202 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

none but freeholders could vote for town officers who have real 
estate to the value of forty pounds. As to manner of voting it was 
ordered that the votes shovild be given in on paper. One trustee 
was designated to receive it, another to indorse it with voter's 
name, then to be entered by the clerk and deposited in a box, 
the clerk's record to give name of voter and persons for whom 
he voted. When a voter was challenged, a note was to be made of 
it, and his right subsequently examined. The next year (1771) it 
was ordered that for trustees and officers named in the charter, all 
freeholders, freemen, and inhabitants, who have resided in Kings- 
ton for the space of forty days, could vote and give in theii' votes 
by ticket. One trustee was designated to read it to the clerk 
for entry, and another to put it on a thread and deposit it in a box. 

In 1772 the rule was changed so that any one challenged was to 
prove his right by oath before voting, and each party was entitled 
to apjjoint two persons to challenge and inspect votes. 

On the 28th of October, 1776, Kingston village was visited by a 
very destructive fire, which originated in the roof of the dwelling- 
house of Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck, which was situated in the 
outside western street of the village, now called Green Street, just 
below its junction with John Street. There being a very heavy 
wind the fire spread rapidly, and was soon entirely beyond the 
control of the inhabitants. It consumed everything inflammable 
about the house of Colonel Hasbrouck ; it crossed Green Street and 
destroyed the Van Keuren house and blacksmith shop ; it crossed 
John Street and struck the house of Abraham Low in Crown Street, 
then in that street destroyed successively in its progress, as stated 
by Colonel Hasbrouck in his diary, "Abraham Low's house barn 
and barrack, Johannis Masten's house, Petrus Eltinge's house and 
barn, where David Cox then lived in a small house, where John 
Carman had his Silver Smith shop, Jacobus S Bruyu's house and 
barn, all took fire and consumed, and several other houses in great 
danger. The loss was very great on the sufferers. Thank God no 
lives lost, nor any body hurt." 

On examining one of the maps of Kingston in a subsequent 
part of this book, and tracing the route of the fire from Green and 
John to North Front Street, through Crown Street, it will be seen 
that it ran over a large territory. 

During this century Dutch manners and customs were preva- 
lent. Although in all official transactions and records the English 
language was required to be used, still, in friendly intercourse, and 
in the family circle, Dutch was the prevailing language. The 
Christian messenger expounded the Scriptures, and exhorted men 
to repentance, from the pulpit, in that language. Social intercourse 
was free and familiar, unrestrained by the formalities of the pres- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 203 

ent day. The social gatherings were usually confined to neigh- 
borly afternoon visits, in wliirli tlic whole afternoon, until an early 
tea, was passed in social cliat, while the knitting-needle was in- 
diisti'iously plied in preparing comfortable coverings for the feet. 
Large evening parties were not common, and when they were held, 
the time was not sjient in dancing by the young, but in plays of 
different kinds. Dancing was reserved for the ball-room, with 
music discoursed on the violin. Occasionally, however, a dance 
was indulged in at private liouses to the music of the "Jews- 
Jiarj)" played by one of the colored gentry of the kitchen. Quilt- 
ing bees were frequent, when, after spending the afternoon at that 
work, the quilt and frame would be removed, tea discussed, and 
after tea the young men would come in to have a jolly time with 
the girls. Apple cuts were also common in the fall to supply 
material for apple-sauce and pies for tlie winter ; then tlie yf)ung 
people also had a gathering for a good time when the work was 
done. 

Although the social manners and customs of those daj's were 
simi)le, and not burdened with the formalities of the present fash- 
ionable life, still there were castes and grades in society as strongly 
marked and as rigidly observed in social intercoui"se, if not more 
so, than at the present time. 

The holidays — Christmas, New Year, Paas, and Pinxster — were 
never suffered to pass witlioiit notice and the usual observance. 

On St. Nicholas or Clii-istkinkle day, which occurred twelve 
days before Christmas, being December 2.5th, old style, the fire- 
phu-e jambs at night were decoi-ated with rows of the children's 
and slaves' stockings, in expectation of a visit from that liberal old 
saint. 

At funerals, although simple and inexpensive as compared 
with those of the present day, pipes and tobacco, with some liquor, 
usually gin, were furnished to the friends in attendance. 

Qiuet and decorum on the streets were enforced on the Sabbath 
day ; tlie penalty incurred by its violator was a season for reflec- 
tion and repentance furnished him in the court-house yard while 
enjoying the comfort of the stocks. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE KINGSTON CHURCH. 

IT seems to be an appropriate time now to revert agaiii to early 
times, and take a brief review of the progress and transactions 
of the early settlers and of their descendants, during the colonial 
period, in the religions field. It is not intended to give a full his- 
tory of the church, that of itself would furnish material for a vol- 
ume. But, considering the character of the first settlers, the causes 
for which they left tlie luxuries of the Old World for tlie trials, 
hardships, and privations of the New, and tlieir object being the 
enjoyment of that freedom of conscience and religious worship 
denied them by governments and people on the other side of the 
w^ater, it is not surprising that the churches organized under such 
circumstances should have had a great, not to say controlling in- 
fluence uj)on the politics and policy of the government and munic- 
ipalities of the country. It is therefore essential for a complete 
history that its rise and progress should be briefly noticed. 

The early settlers having thus come to this country for con- 
science' sake and the enjoyment of religious freedom, it is reason- 
able to suppose that they would be solicitous to procure an early 
enjoyment of a complete religious organization, with its accom- 
panying services. Tliey brought with them a jirecentor to officiate 
on the Sabbath, with prayer and reading selections from the Bible, 
with commentaries, and to give instraction in the catecliism ; but 
that only partially supplied the need, the power of administering 
the ordinances was wanting. The inhabitants, therefore, addressed 
repeated and earnest solicitations to the mother church in Holland 
for tlie establishment of a church. After a time tlie Classis of 
Amsterdam listened to their persistent entreaties, and sent Domi- 
nie Hermanns Blom to them in the year 16.^9. On the Sabbath 
following his arrival he conducted the services and preached for 
them twice. The settlers immediately thereafter organized a 
church, and tendered him a call to become their pastor. The call 
or invitation was signed by Willem Jansen, Jan Broersen, Dirck 
Hendrixsen, Mattys Roelofsen, Albert Goverts, Hendrich Cor- 
nelissen, Jacob Jansen Stol, Thomas Chambers, Juriaen Westphael, 
Jacob Jansen Stoutenbergh, Jan Jansen, and Cornells Barent Slecht. 



niSTORY OF KIXOSTOX. 205 

Dominie Bloin at once signified his acceptance of the call, and 
returned to Holland in September. 1059, to submit to final exam- 
ination, receive ordination, and have his (;all fomially a|)proved by 
the Classis of Amsterdam. 

He returned from Holland on the l()th of February, IfiHO, luing- 
ing with him his license, of which the following is a translated 
copy : 

" Whereas it is indispensably required, that the honour of 
God and the Salvation of men be promoted to the best of our abil- 
ities, and for this end religions meetings ought to be instituted 
and encouraged by the pure preaching of the word of (lod, the 
lawful administration of the Sacraments, the publick invocation of 
the name of the Lord, and wliat further is belonging to the duti- 
ful worship ; and whereas the Sitiuition of Esopus in New-Xether- 
land requires, that a duly qualified person, be sent thither as a 
lawfully ordained Minister, who can execute there the ministerial 
functions in every particular part in conformity to the church 
Government and the woixl of God, and in unison with the laudable 
usages of the Refonned Churches in this countrj' and who is able 
to maintain and defend these, Tiiehefore, We, the Ministers of 
the word of God and Elders of the congregations of Christ, belong- 
ing to the Classis of Amsterdam, after the invocation of the name 
of God. and in his fear, with the approbation of the noble Direc- 
tors of the West India Company, after a faithful examination in 
the ])rincipal doctrines of the Christian Refonned Church — and 
after having received satisfactory evidence of the pious life and 
requisite talents for the ministry of the Gospel, and after he signed 
the Netherlands Confession, the Christian Catechism and canons 
of the National Synod, have ordained the Reverend pious prudent 
and learned Minister Ilcrntanus BJom with the Solemn imx)Osition 
of hands, to preach there, both on Water and on the Land and in 
all the neighbourhood, but principally in Esopus. the Holy and only 
Saving doctrine of the word of God, in its purity, to administer 
the Sacraments agreeably to Christ' s institution, with propriety to 
give an example to his congregation of pul^lick prayers, to keep 
them with the aid of his consistory in a good discipline and order, 
all in conformity to the word of God and the formularies of the 
Netherlaiul Churches and the Christian Catechism, Soliciting all 
our Brethren to accept him as a Lawful Brother, and lawfully 
called Minister of the Gospel of Christ, to honour him for the sake 
of his Ministry, and to assist him whenever it is in their power, 
So that he may officiate unmolested and cheerfully, to glorify 
God's name and the conversion and Salvation of Souls. 

" The Almighty God, who has called this Minister to the Ser- 



206 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

vice of his church enricli him more and more witli all talents and 
the blessings of his Holy Ghost, so that his labours may be crowned 
with abundant success, to the glory of his name, and salvation of 
men, and reward and adorn him, at the appearance of the great 
Shepherd of Sheep with the never fading crown of eternal glory — 
" Done in a Classical meeting in Amsterdam 16 Febr. 1660 
" In the name and by order of all 
(was signed) Petrus Proeleus, Eccles. 

Amstelodamensis, et De- 
putatorum ad causas In- 
dicas P' scriba' ' 

Immediately after his arrival at Wiltwyck, Dominie Blom 
entered upon the duties of his pastorate. On Christmas Day, the 
2.5th of December, 1660, occurred the first administration of the 
Lord's Supper in Esopus, and that was when, on that day, he, 
Dominie Blom, distributed the sacred elements to his little Hock, 
consisting of Anna Blom his wife, Jacob Joosten, Jacob Burhans, 
Mattice Blanshan and Maddelyn his wife, Antone Crispel.and 
Maria his wdfe, Andries Barents and Hillitjen his wife, Margaret 
Chambers, Geertray Andrise, Roeliff Swartwout and Eva his wife, 
Cornells Barent Slecht and Tryntje his wife, Albert Roosa and 
Weylke his wife. 

He appears to have been a man of sincere piety, and especially 
well qualified for the position he occupied. He soon became very 
popular, and discharged all the duties devolving upon him with 
very great satisfaction to his congregation. 

In 1661 a building was erected for the church inside of the 
stockade, at the comer of what is now Main and Wall streets, where 
the old stone church subsequently stood. It was built of logs, and 
said to be "substantial and convenient." It was regularly dedi- 
cated for public worship, and there the ordinances of religion were 
statedly administered. 

The following year the parsonage was built for the Dominie. 
It must have been a very comfortable and complete building for 
the times, costing about twelve hundred dollars. It was undoubt- 
edly built of stone, and the roof covered with Holland tiles, which 
were in common use at that day for roofs in the mother country, 
as they appear charged in the statement of the cost of the build- 
ing. The location of the building is not definitely known, but the 
writer of the historical sketch in the History of Ulster County must 
be nustaken in locating it at the corner of Clinton Avenue and 
Pearl Street. That would place it outside of the stockade. But 
the list of old and new surveyed lots (see Chapter II.) in Wiltwyck, 
made out in 1662, locates the minister's house and lot as No. 4 in 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 207 

the list of old surveyed lots ; consequently, it must have been within 
the old village and within the stot-kiule. Again, Governoi- Stuy- 
vesant had just compelled all the inhabitants to build and locate 
themselves within the stockade as a protection ag-ainst tlie Ind- 
ians ; he certainly would not allow them to locate the dwelling of 
their clergyman outside of the line of safety. It is true that the 
Miller map of the stockade, made in 109,^, over thirty years subse- 
quent, locates a building outside of the stockade at about the junc- 
tion of Pearl Street and Clinton Avenue, which he designators as 
"the minister's house." That forms no evidence that it was built in 
IGOl. Why it was designated as the minister's house is not known. 
But it is also thus designated in an official order for its rejiair at 
the public expense on account of its being used as a court-room. 

Although it is thus improbable that the house outside of the 
stockade, as shown by Miller on his map, was the minister's resi- 
dence, the question still remains, if not, What was it '. The only 
plausible answer the writer can give to the question is necessarily 
mere conjecture. 

The ti'eaty of Governor NicoUs with the Indians in 1605, pre- 
viously referred to, in the tliird claust' required '' that a convenient 
house shall be built where said Indians may at any time lodge 
without the ports of the said town, in which hoiise the Indians are 
to leave their arms, and may come without molestation, to sell or 
buy what they please from the Christians." Thus is a house out- 
side of the stockade accounted for (Chapter IV., ante). 

Then in September, 1669, as appears in the preceding pages 
(Chapter IV., ante), Governor Lovelace appointed a commission 
"to go to Esopus and regulate the affairs of that place." That 
commission, on the 23d of September, made an ordinance wliereby 
the scout and commissaries were strictly enjoined "to repair the 
Dominies house or town house in Kingston, which now grows 
ruinous, to prevent further damage, it being of absolute necessity 
to keep that house in good repair, in regard to the frequent use of 
it both for religious duties and cicil affairs.'''' And the repairs 
were then further directed to be made at the 'puhlic expense. This 
explains the use to which the " Dominie's" (or, in the English 
clergyman's language, " Minister's") liouse was put, which, by his 
map, is located " without the ports of the said town." It requires 
no stretch of the imagination to conceive when the great Indian stuire 
was over, that the house designed for their use sliould also be ap- 
propriated for some other public purpose ; and may it not have 
also acquired the synonym of " the Dominie's house" from the ex- 
hortations made therein by the faithful clergyman from time to 
time to the assembled natives \ 

Dominie Blom was at Wiltwyck when the murderous attack 



208 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

was made by the Indians in 1663, and, regardless of all danger, was 
particularly active in driving off the savages, and in administering 
to the wants of the wounded and the dying. 

In 1666 he met with a very severe domestic affliction in the loss 
of his wife. When visiting New Amsterdam, in September of that 
year, she was taken sick and died there. After that, he deter- 
mined to leave and return to his friends in Holland, and on the 
26th of January, 1667, he resigned his pastorate, giving the loss of 
his partner as one of the reasons, naming also some irregularities 
in the payment of his salary. The Consistory accepted his resig- 
nation with very great reluctance, and he left at once and returned, 
to Holland. When he resigned the number of members in his 
church had largely increased. 

The church now continued for upward of eleven years without 
a pastor. The regular Sabbath services were conducted by tlieir 
precentor. The pulpit was occasionally supplied, and ordinances 
administered, by a clergyman from Fort Orange or New Amster- 
dam. The Rev. Petrus Tesschenmaeker occupied the pulpit as a 
supply for a time in the summer of 1678, and until the arrival of 
Dominie Laurentius Van Gaasbeek in the month of September in 
that year. Mr. Van Gaasbeek had been sent out from Holland 
by the Classis of Amsterdam as pastor to Esopus. He commenced 
his pastorate and took charge of the congregation immediately 
upon his arrival. He was a man of talent and education, and 
very active and zealous in the discharge of his duties. He had 
charge of the churches of Hiirley and Marbletown, as well as 
Kingston. 

The next year the congregation built a new and substantial 
stone church, 45 X 60 feet, upon what is now the northeast corner 
of Main and Wall streets ; it is said to have been highly finished, 
and decorated with stained glass, coats-of-arms, etc. It was so far 
completed as to be dedicated about the 1st of January, 1680. Mr. 
Van Gaasbeek was taken sick, and died the following month, 
February. 

Dominie Johannis Weekstein succeeded to the pastorate in 
1681 ; he died in March, 1687. He was succeeded in June of that 
year by Dominie Laurentius Vanden Bosch. He was guilty of such 
immoralities that a dissolution of his connection was procured in 
October, 1689. 

The church was then without a pastor for about six years, until 
the arrival of Johannis Petrus Nucella, in 1695. He continued nine 
years in charge of the churches of Kingston, Hurley, Marbletown, 
and Mumbaccus, giving a year alternately to each. In March, 1704, 
he resigned his pastorate and returned to Europe. 

This vacancy occurred during the administration of Lord Corn- 



HISTOKt OF KINGSTON. 209 

bnry, and it was at this time, as recordecl elsewhere in this work, 
that an effort was made to force a minister of the Chnrch of Eng- 
land, Rev. Mr. Hepburn, upon tlie congregation, which signally 
failed. 

In ]\rarch, 1700, Rev. Henricus Beys arrived, having been sent 
by the Classis of Amsterdam, and took charge of the congregatif)n. 
He was neglectful of his duties and remained only a very short 
time. 

In December, 1710, Dominie Petrus Yas arrived from Amster- 
dam to assume the j^^^torate. He was a man of learning and 
ability and well fitted for his work, and under liis ministration 
the cliiircli ttourislied. 

The Consistory, with Dominie Vas, in 1712, deteiTnined to make 
an effort to have the church incoiiiorated. They accordingly pre- 
sented to the governor a petition, of which the following is a coiiy, 
and wliich is here accompanied by a copy of the report made 
by the Council thereon : 



Petition of the Dutch Church of Kingston. 

'• To his Excellency Robert Hunter Esq' Cap' Gen" Gov' in 
Chief of her Maties Provinces of New York & New Jersey 
and the Territories depending tliereon in America & Yice 
Atlmirall of the same &' and the Hono"' CounciU of the 
Province of New York. 
" The Petition of Petrus Yos jMinister of the Protestant Re- 
formed Dutch Cliiirch of the Town of Kingston in the 
County of Vlster Jacob xVusen, Wessell ten Broek Jacob 
Du Bois Elders Jacolnis Elmendorp, Gerret Wyncoop, Hen- 
dick Pruyni and William Elten Deacons of the same — 
" Humbly Siieweth, 

" That tlie members of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church 
in the said Town and their predecessors liaving for numy years 
since erected a Chui-ch in the said Town and detlicated the same 
to the Worsliip of God according to the Constitution of the Re- 
formed Cluirches of the United Netherlands Established by tlie 
Nationall Synod of Dort held in the years lOlS & 1{51'.), and have 
allso pui'chased about half an acre of ground for a Cemetry or 
Church yarl all at their own Charges «S: Expenses. 

" They therefore humbly Pray for her Maties grant under the 
gi'eat seal of this Province to incorporate them and their successors 
into a body Corporate and Politick by the name and stile of tlie 
Minister Elders & Deacons of the Protestant Reformed Dutch 
Church, of the Town of Kingston in the County of Ylster as near 
14 



210 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

as may be to the Charter granted to the Dutch Church in the City 
of New York, 

" And yo' Pet" as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &' 

" By their order 
New York 1"' of May " Henr Beekman 

1712. Jacob Ausen." 

Report of the Committee 

Of the Councill on the Foregoing Petition. 

" May it please yor. Excellency 

" In Obedience to yo' Excellencies Order in Councill of y^ 
ffirst of May Instant We have Examined into y° matter Referred 
to us on y' Petition of Petrus Vas Minister of y^ Protestant Re- 
fonned Church of y*" Town of Kingstown in y'= County of Ulster, 
Jacob Aerson Wessell ten Brook Jacob Du Bois Elders Jacobus 
Elmendorp, Gerrett Wjoicoop Hendrick Pruym and William Elton 
Deacons of y*" same praying for her Maj"^'' Grant under y" Great 
Seale of this Pi-ovince to Incorporate them and their Successors 
into a body Corporate and pollitick by y" name and stile of the 
Minister Elders and Deacons of y'' Protestant Refomied Dutch 
Church of y" Towne of Kingstown in y'^ County of Ulster as near as 
may be to y" Charter Granted to y° Dutch Cliurch in y'' City of 
New York, And Wee are humbly of opinion that yo' Excellencie 
may Grant the said petitioners the Charter prayed by their said 
petition Which is nevertheless submitted by 
" Yo'' Excellencies most Obed' humble Serv'' 

"AD. Peyster 
New York S. Staats 

2" May 1712. R Walter 

Rip Van Dam 
John Barbarie 
A. D. Philipse" 

This report was not acted on, and, subsequently, another peti- 
tion of the same character received favorable action, as follows : 

' ' May it please yo' Honour 

' ' In Obedience to your Honours order in Council of this day 
Referring to us the Petition of Petrus Yas Minister of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church of Kingston in Ulster County, and of Abra- 
ham Delameter Captain Wessell Ten Brook, Guysbert "\^ander- 
burgh and 'J'homas Jansen Elders and of Captain Nicholas Hof- 
man, Lambert Cool, Captain John Rutsen and Tirck Van Keuren 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 211 

deacons of the smiie Church. Wee have Considered of the same, 
and are of Oj^inion your Honour may grant a Patent of Incorpo- 
ration to the said Minister Elders and Deacons and tlieir Successors 
forever, for tlie free use and exercise of their religion and worslnp, 
with the like liberty and privileges, as are granted to the ^finister 
Elders and Deacons of tlie Dutch "Reformed Church in the City of 
New York, with this dilfercnce only, that tiie rents of the lands 
and tenements, to be held by them, shall not exceed the sum of 
three hundred ])ounds per annum. And that you may likt'wise 
grant a patent of Continuation, of the ground and Cenieti'ry or 
burying place, mentioned in the said petition, under tlie yearly 
quit rent of one peppei' corn if dem-anded ; all which is neverthe- 
less humbly submitted by Your Honours most humble and most 
obed't Sei-vt's 

(Signed by) "AD Petster 

R Walter 
Gerard Beekman 
Rip Van Dam 
Caleb Heath Cote 
New York John Barbarie 

Nov 10. 1719 A D Philipse— " 

Favorable action came at last, and the second favorable report 
of the Council was supplemented on the next day, the 17th of 
Noveud)er, 1719, by a charter of incorporation duly granted in 
the name of the king, and signed bv Peter Schuvler as President of 
the Council, etc., incorporating Petnis Vas, Minister ; Abraham 
Delamater, Captain Wessels Ten Broeck, Guisbert Van der Bergh, 
and Thomas Jansen, Elders ; Captain Nicholas Hotfman, Lambert 
Cool, Captain John Rutsen, and Tjerck Van Keuren, Deacons ; and 
their successors l)y the corporate name and style of the '' ^finister 
Elders and Deacons of the Refomied Protestant Dutch Church of 
Kingston." It conferred upon them the usual powers of religious 
corporations in such cases, and coniirmed the title to their lands. 

Dominie Vas continued with and ministered to his peojjle until 
his death, Avliich occurred in 17iv2, in the ninety-sixth year of his 
age. During the latter years of his life he was assisted by Dominie 
Mancius as his colleague. Dominie Yas was very siu'cessful in 
his ministry, and the church was largely increased and strength- 
ened. During the early part of his pastorate, the house of wor- 
ship was very thoroughly repaired, and a small building 
added to the front called a " doop buys,'' an appendage which 
was frequent in th9se days. It was used, or, at least, designed 
for catechetical and consistorial purposes, and formed also a con- 
venient lobby or anteroom for the church entrance. The front 



212 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

door of that addition had for its caj) a stone in which were cut the 
letters 

P. VAS. MDCCXXL, 

thus indicating- the time of its erection. The stone continued to 
occuj)y the position of capstone for the front door of tlie ' ' doop 
huys" of the church imtil some time in the third decade of this 
century, and was often noticed in its place by the writer, when as 
a lad he frequently passed under it on his way to church service 
and catechetical instruction. 

Tlie congregation having tlius repaired the building, for some 
reason concluded that they should have a new bell. Whether the 
old one had been worn out in notifying the inhabitants when it 
was noon, and in the evening when it was time to retire, besides 
calling them to the regular religious services, or whether it pi'oved 
too small for their improved house, of course is now not known, 
but certain it is that, on the 8th day of April, 1724, a delegation 
from the Consistory appeared before the trustees of the corpora- 
tion of Kingston, at their meeting held at that time, and applied 
to them for assistance in procuring a new bell. That application 
resulted in the adoption by the trustees of the following resolu- 
tion : 

' ' Resolved, That the Corporation should pay one half of what 
money shall be wanting with this old bell to purchase a new one ; 
the Consistory paying the other half, and the said new bell to go 
for the use of the Church and the Corporation." 

The last clause is explained by the fact that the church bell, 
besides being used for church meetings and funerals, was tolled 
when a citizen was dying, and indicated his age by the number of 
strokes, and was rung every day at noon, and also at eight o' clock 
in the evening for the benefit of the inhabitants. It is presumed, 
therefore, that the congregation were soon gladdened with the 
music of a new bell. 

The trustees, consisting, as they generally did, of the most 
prominent inhabitants, always exhibited great liberality to the 
church. At an early day after their incorporation, they conveyed 
to the church several hundred acres of land in the northern ])art of 
their patent. The pi'ecise number of acres cannot be stated ; it is 
supposed to have been nearly, if not more than one thousand. 
It was disposed of, from time to time, in parcels by the Consistory, 
as opportunity offered, they, at times, reserving in their convey- 
ances an annual rent for the benefit of the church. The trustees 
also afterward frequently aided the church with liberal contribu- 
tions, some of which will be referred to hereafter. 

It appears that under the ministrations of Dominies Vas and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



213 



Manciiis the churcli jji-ospered to such an extent that it out- 
grew its conveniences. The Consistory, therefore, to snjiiily the 
wants of the (songregation, proceeded to enlarge their church and 




OLD CHURCH BEFORE THE REVOLUTION, N. W. VIEW OF TOWER END. 



increase its accommodations. That building was the one whose 
interior was consumed l)y tlie fire when Kingston was burned 
during the Revolution, and the old walls were used in the repair 
or rebuilding. The main Iniilding remained standing until 1S32, 
although the '" dooj) huys," projecting from the front far toward 
the middle of the street, with the marked capstone over the front 
door, had been torn down a few years previous. The old resi- 
dents of this place, now living, are therefore familiar with the 
location of the old church and the character of its walls. It 
was a very massive structure, with the " doop huys" in front 
at the south end projecting far into the street, and the bell 
tower at the north end projecting toward the burying-ground. The 
walls were all built of the rough limestone so abundant in this 
vicinity. The main building was not far from sixty feet square. 
Its walls were from three to four feet in thickness, and the church 



214 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

was a beautiful model of masonry of its kind. Tlie walls when torn 
down, notwithstanding tlie action of the contiagration in 1777, were 
as firm and solid as when first erected, and the workmen found no 
easy task in effecting its demolition. 

After the death of Dominie Yas, his colleague. Dominie Man- 
cius, continued his ministrations in the church, and discharged the 
duties of the pastorate in a very acceptable manner until his death, 
which occurred on the 6th of September, 1762. 

Before proceeding any further, it will be necessary to make a 
short digression in order that the reader may fully comprehend 
the troubles which, during the next j)astorate, arose in the Kingston 
church, shook it to its very foundation, and threatened its con- 
tinued existence. 

The churches organized in New Netherlands, when under the 
Dutch Government, worshipped in the manner of the Protes- 
tant Belgian established churches, having ministers sent to them 
from the Classis of Amsterdam. That, of course, was the case with 
the Kingston church. Under such circumstances the Classis of 
Amsterdam naturally gave directions, and exercised a certain con- 
trol over the Dutch Church organizations in this country. 

When New Netherlands was surrendered to the English, the 
eighth article of the capitulation provided that 

" The Dutch here shall enjoy liberty of conscience in Divine 
worship and church discipline." The Dutch settlers remaining in 
the country, their churches increased in numbers and in strength, 
and continued their former mode of worship and discipline, ac- 
knowledging their dependence lapon the Classis of Amsterdam for 
the examination and ordination of their ministers, and considered 
themselves in subordination to their ecclesiastical control. 

The coetus was an ecclesiastical assembly of the Dutch churches 
in this country, consisting of the minister and one elder from every 
congregation. The fourth clause of the fundamental articles of the 
coetus, as approved by the reverend Classis of Amsterdam, in 1738, 
was as follows : 

' ' 4. None but ecclesiastical matters, and those in an ecclesias- 
tical way, shall be taken ux> and decided in the Coetus ; and always 
in subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam." 

The first coetus met and was organized in 1747, in the city of 
New York. The coetus soon assumed the regular jurisdiction of a 
classis in the examination of candidates and ordination of ministers. 

The Classis of Amsterdam, denying the assumed power, wrote to 
the coetus a lengthy communication, of which the following is an 
extract : 

" The Classis then, for mighty reasons which are also approved 
of by the Synod of North Holland, always have been of opinion, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 215 

that the power and right to become candidates, and ordain minis- 
ters do, with respect to the churches of New Xetlierland, Ix-long 
only to the Classis of Amsterdam, and not to the Ccptiis ; also that 
the ministers of the churclies are, and ought to be, subordinate to 
them, and not to the Coitus. That the Coptus is an ecclesiastical 
body suliordinate to tlie Classis of Amsterdam." 

The ministry of a portion of tlic rliuiclies — those who disap- 
proved of the action of the co'tus, and acknowledged the exclusive 
jurisdiction of the Classis of Amsterdam — met for consultation and 
designated themselves as the " conferentiae." They held regular 
sessions and correspondence witli the Classis of Amsterdam. Tiius 
was a division created in the Dutch churches. It was not conlined 
to the churches as such, but extended to the membership. Dom- 
inie Mancius was a wann sujjporter of the confeientia\ and al- 
though the congregation of Kingston was divided, a large majority 
of its members sympathized with the conferentiie. 

The pulpit at Kingston having become vacant by the death of 
Dominie Mancius, the Classis of Amsterdam, upon the application 
of the Consistory of the church, sent Hermaiuis Meyer to them as 
tlieir pastor. He airived in J\ingston in November, 1763, and at 
once entered upon his pastoral duties. He is reputed to have been 
a man of ''ardent piety, profound learning, and viuied scholar- 
ship." 

Unfoi'tunately for both pastor and peojde, he reached his charge 
at a time when contention and jiai-ty spirit upon the questions 
above mentioned were disrupting the entire Dutch Church, and 
were particularly violent at Kingston. 

A majority of the settlers were of Dutch descent, and many of 
the others were descendants of those who had tied to Holland for an 
asylum and been harbored there, and as was natural, were strongly 
attached to the ''fatherland" and prejudiced in favor of every- 
thing belonging thereto, and opposed to sundering any of the re- 
maining links, however light, by which they nnght be connected 
therewith. A majority in the Kingston church, and the entire 
Consistory, opposed the change, and stood by the " conferentife," 
the organization under the old order, and opposed to the " coetus." 

Dominie Meyer at lii'st attempted to steer clear of actual identi- 
fication with or manifestation of preference for either party. It is 
seldom that revolutions of a radical character are ever accom- 
plished without arousing and exciting feeling to the lowest depth, 
and often unseating reason from its throne. When party spirit in 
such contests reaches a certain pitch, involving an important fun- 
damental question in the church, or its organization, it is not in 
the power of mortal man holding the position of pastor long to re- 
main neutral. Something wiU turn up, or some question or action 



216 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Avill be accidentally or designedly forced npon him, by which he 
will be placed in antagonism to one side or the other. Such was 
the experience of Dominie Meyer. 

The oath of allegiance, as prescribed by the British Grovem- 
ment, contained the following paragraph : 

" I do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and 
bear true allegiance to his Majesty King George the third. . . . 
And I do declare, that no foreign prince person, prelate, State or 
potentate hath, or ought to have, any jurisdiction, power, sujDeri- 
ority, dominion or authority ecclesiastical or spiritual within this 
realm." 

It was held and insisted by the coetus party, that subordination 
to the Classis of Amsterdam was inconsistent with the oath of alle- 
giance, and in taking that oath all subordination to the Classis of 
Amsterdam was abjured, " and that all those who held them- 
selves subordinate after taking such oath are perjured." 

Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck and Abraham Van Keuren, resi- 
dents of Kingston, and two advocates of the coetus, but holding 
no office in the church, made complaint under an English statute, 
against Dominie Meyer, to two justices of the peace, and demanded 
that he should be compelled to take the oath of allegiance. Dom- 
inie Meyer and four of his Consistory were accordingly summoned, 
and appeared before the justices. They demurred against taking 
the oath, and demanded an adjournment for three weeks to take 
advice of counsel, which was gi'anted by Major Pawling, one of 
the justices in attendance. They advised with Mr. Crannell, a 
counsellor residing at Poughkeepsie, who was of the opinion that 
they wei'e obliged to take the oath, but he desired to consult later 
statutes, and would then advise further. The further advice did 
not come within the three weeks, and the oaths were administered 
and taken. After the deed was done, the further advice from Mr. 
Crannell was rieceived, that the justices in Ulster had no jurisdic- 
tion to take the oaths without a particular authorization. But it 
came too late. This administration of the oath was followed in a 
very shoi-t time by the marriage of Dominie Meyer to the daughter 
of Colonel Hasbrouck. 

These occurrences took place in the summer of 176-4, and put 
an end to neutrality and all pretence of it. Now the feeling in- 
creased in bitterness and intensity daily. To have their pastor 
the son-in-law of one of their leading opponents, and, as they in- 
ferred, under his control, was more than they could stand. The 
following extract from a letter wiitten by a prominent member of 
the chui'ch, under date of September ;^d, 1764, just after the mar- 
riage, is some evidence of the feeling engendered : 

" The Col., it seems, will now endeavor to gain the Honorable 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIT. 217 

seat of a Pope, but I hope his mercenaries are too weak to raise 
him to that exalted station. They liave however, thoiisrh few in 
number, opened their last and most fonnidable battery against 
this peaceable congregation, and have thrown as yet but one bomb 
into it. I liojie it hatli done no more damage than tlirowing the 
congi'egatiou into confusion. Tlie consequence of which is, tliat 
such a quarrel is commenced, which I fear never will have an end. 
You cannot possibly have a proper idea of the dismal situation we 
are in, unless you were an ear and eye witness. And this is 
caused by a very few persons, in particular Col Abraham Has- 
broiick and Abraham Van Keuren, who, when a call was made on 
the present minister, refused to contribute a single copper. This 
we take very hard of the minister, tliat he should honour such 
in'f)l>le before his Kerkenraad (Consistorj'), and I may say tlie 
wli( )le congregation. ' ' 

The conferentise portion of the congregation were determined 
in some way to rid themselves of Dominie Meyer, but on consulta- 
tion with counsel, they found that nothing had been done winch 
would legally justify his removal or forfeiture of his salary. But 
the ill-feeling and bitterness increased and intensified daily, and 
it became evident that force would be used if necessary. 

Individual tights and broils among excited disputants had be- 
come frequent. It soon became apparent that it would not end 
wirh individual broils, but if the pulpit was not vacated in some 
other way, violence would be resorted to in the house of woi'ship. 
That was a course which the Consistory were anxious to avoid. In 
the interest of peace, they sent an invitation to the Rev. Gerhardus 
Cock, pastor of the church at Germantown, to come to Kingston 
and attend a meeting for the purpose of settling, if possible, the 
difficulty between ])astor and people. He obeyed the summons, 
and attended in good faith as the messenger and advt>cate of i)eace 
and reconciliation. His errand was unsuccessful. Instead of re- 
ceiving the thanks of the ccetus party for liis kind errand and in- 
tentions, two of their number, Levi Pawling and Johannis llar- 
denbergh, as justices of the peace, issued a precei)t against him as 
" a dangerous person to the Government and a common disturber 
of the Peace of his Majesty's liege subjects," and, as such, com- 
manded him " to appear before them and take the oaths i)rescril)ed 
by law." Under that precept he was arrested by a constable and 
taken before those vigilant guardians of the peace. 

Upon his appearance befoie those liberal dispensers of the hos- 
pitality of Kingston, the astonished dominie was required to take 
the oath of allegiance and sui>reniacy, and in case of his refusal to 
do so, he was infonned that they would commit him to prison 
unless he paid a penalty of five hundred pounds. 



218 HISTORY OF KIjSTGSTOlSr. 

He then chose to take the oath under compulsion, but he did 
not put such construction upon its terms as to be forced into the 
ccetus party. He advised with counsel, and was informed that 
the action of the justices was illegal, and they had no jurisdiction. 
He then presented a petition to the governor and council, demand- 
ing redress and the removal of the officiating justices from office. 
Whether the petition was ever acted upon by the governor and 
council does not appear. 

In view of the intense feeling aroused in the Kingston church 
by the compulsory administration of the oath of allegiance and its 
assumed effect, the reader may feel interested to peruse the opin- 
ion delivered by James Duane, an eminent counsellor of that day, 
written in reference to the case of the Rev. Mr. Cock, and on 
which, it is understood, was based his application for the removal 
of the justices. The following is a copy : 

" Two Justices of the Peace of the County of Ulster having re- 
quired the Dutch minister at Esopus to take the oath of allegiance 
and supremacy, etc and taken them from him, There hath arisen 
a question whether these Justices, by their commissions as such, 
had any authority to tender the oath, etc, and if not, whether 
they are punishable and how ? 

"It is supposed that they have founded their authority upon 
the statute of 1st George, which is in these words, 

' ' ' That it shall and may be lawful to and for two or more Jus- 
tices of the Peace or any other person or j)ersons, idIio sTiall he by 
Jtis 31a/)estyfor that purpose specially appointed^ by order of the 
Privy Council or by Commission under the great seal, to adminis- 
ter and tender the oaths, hereinbefore appointed to be taken, to 
any person or persons whatsoever, whom they shall or may sus- 
pect to he dangerous or disaffected to Jiis Majesty or 7/ is Govern- 
ment, and if any person or persons, to whom such oaths shall be 
tendered, shall neglect or refuse the same, such Justices or any other 
person or persons specially to he appointed as aforesaid, tendering 
the said oaths shall certify the refusal thereof to the next quarter 
sessions of the county, riding, liberty, City Borough town Corpo- 
rate or place in which such refusal shall be made. And the said 
refusal shall be recorded among the rolls of the next sessions, and 
shall be from thence certified by the Clerk of the peace of such 
county, etc. . . . And that every person, so neglecting or re- 
fusing to take the said oaths, shall be from the time of his neglect 
or refusal taken esteemed and adjudged a popish recusant con- 
met, and as such to forfeit and be proceeded against.' 

" I have considered all the statutes relating to this subject. I 
think there is none can give the Justices a colour for assuming a 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 219 

right to administer the oatli, but the clause of the 1st Geoi'ge 1st 
above recited, and with respect to this, I am of opinion, that it 
does not extend to the Colonit\s, not only because it is a penal law, 
made since we have had our own Legislature, but because it is 
plnin, from the terms of it, that it was intended only for Great 
Britain, Ihe Navy, Jersey, and (xiiernsey ; and tliesixtli section in 
an especial manner shews that it was not to affect persons beyond 
sea, or to authorize their (pinlification tln^rc. Tlie only method, by 
which these oatlis have been adnunistered lu-re, is l)y Dedinius 
under the great seal of the Colony, and the only persons, I believe 
they ever were exacted from, were the officers Civil and Military. 

" Whether the Justices are punishable, in the present case, is 
another question, as they may have erred in judgment in the con- 
struction of this act. Besides, to aim at prosecuting them foi- ten- 
dering these oaths to a foreigner, who was willing to take them, 
seems to have an appearance not well to be reconciled. Had he 
refused to comply, and they done anything illegal, by way of com- 
pelling him, the case would l>e something altered. 

" Supposing them criminal, the method of punishment would be 
by information, in the name of the Attorney-General. 

"Jas. Duane." 

William Smith, Ji'., another celebi-ated counsellor, residing in 
New York, upon similar cpiestions being submitted to him by ad- 
vocates of the CQjtus, in his ojiinicm, stated : 

" The laws of Great Britain and this country do not permit the 
exercise of any manner of authority or privilege, by foreign judica- 
tories, civil or ecclesiastical, within these dominions, besides all the 
king's subjects are compellable to take the oath of supremacy, 
wherein they swear that ' no foreign prince, person, prelate. State 
or jjotentate hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, i)ower, superi- 
ority, pre eminence, or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual with- 
in this realm.' And though the ])rimary intention of the laws of 
this head was to destroy the intluence of the see of Rome, yet pro- 
hibiting words are broad, and their general jiolicy is such, that in 
my opinion they will be construed by our Judges to interdict the 
claims of the Classis of Amsterdam to government of the Dutch 
Church in this country, and that the subjects who voluntarily 
submit to the decisions of any foreign, even though a Protestant 
body, are punishahle. 

" I think the claims of the Classis to the subordination of those 
churches, not in the least supported by the articles of surrender or 
any of the Treaties between us and the States-General. The de- 
sign was not to vest any power in any body of men abroad, Init to 
secure the enjoyment of certain privileges to those who were con- 



220 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

qiiered, and remained here. This distinction is natural and obvi- 
ous, if tlie Dutch churches in tliis country are undisturbed in tlieir 
worship, and left to govern themselves npon the Belgic, which is 
the Presbyterian model, they can justly claim nothing more npon 
the faith of the capitulation. The words are thus satisfied, and 
the door shut against the mischief intended to be prevented by our 
laws against foreign appeals. And this construction will, I con- 
ceive, appear to be more solid, if the claims of the Classis of Am- 
sterdam to a Supi'emacy over the churches, and their denial of any 
right in those ministers to license and ordain others are repugnant 
to the word of God, as understood by the Reformed Churches in 
the United Provinces, and the frame of that Ecclesiastical govern- 
ment they have adopted ; if this can be shewn and perhaps it may, 
the articles receive an exposition not favorable to the subordina- 
tion exacted, for it will appear very reasonable to suppose the 
benefits intended to be secured were consistent with the avowed 
tenets of their own churches, and according to these sentiments I 
think the churches here will expose themselves to danger by a 
submission to, and not by their non-compliance with, the authority 
challenged by the Classis." 

A council of the neighboring ministers of the Kingston church 
and their elders was convened, and the situation of the church and 
the diffieulties l>et\veen pastor and people l^rought before them, and 
upon their action the Consistory withheld Dominie Meyer's salary, 
and declared the piilpit vacant. The following Sabbath the con- 
ferentia3 people encouraged by such action determined to prevent 
Meyer from occupying the pulpit at all hazards. They accord- 
ingly carried their clubs with them to church, prepared for battle, 
if necessary. Meyer entered the pulpit as usual, but before the 
services commenced was notified to vacate. He, noticing the prep- 
arations that had been made, and well aware of the determination 
of the parties, left the desk in tears, and as he came down the steps 
of the pulpit, repeated the following passage of Scripture : " How 
often woidd I have gathered thy chil<lren together, even as a hen 
gathereth her chickens iinder her wings, and ye would not." 

Notwithstanding this rupture. Dominie Meyer continued to 
preach and perform ministerial services at private houses, until 
November, 1772, when he received and accepted a call and removed 
to New Jersey. 

As long as Dominie Meyer remained, of course, there was no 
reconcilement of the pai'ties, and no successful efi'ort made to pro- 
cure another pastor. After he left the heated passions began to 
cool, so that in the year 1775 Dominie George J. L. Doll, who was 
then j)reaching at Albany, was called. He accepted, and was in- 
stalled into the pastoral office. Under Dominie Doll the Kingston 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 



221 



church took an indeijendent position, and did not unite with the 
ecclesiastical assemlijics in this country, although the coc^tus and 
conferentia' liad settled their differences and formed a single eccle- 
siastical body in 1772 w-ith the concurrence of the Classis of Am- 
sterdam. He unnistered to the people during the entire struggle 
for independence, and Tintil he became superannuated in 1S()8. 
There were none more zealous than he in the cause of liberty, nor 
more ardent in advocating the cause of his divine Master, and by 




i.jr^^-^fiii 



i,'_ 



8. W. VIEW OF CHURCH AS REBUILT AFTER THE REVOLUTION, SHOWING 
" DOOP HUyS " IN FRONT, TOWER IN REAR. 



endearing the people to himself he early in his ministry healed all 

violent dissensions. 

At the sacking of Kingston by the British, the church, of 
course, did not escape the fury of the vandals, but was visited with 
the same fate as the other buildings in the place. AU that was 
combustible in or about it was reduced to ashes. 

The first care, of course, of the unfortunate inhabitants was for 
the comfort of their wives and children ; but as soon as they had 
attended to their immediate wants and procured necessaiy shelter 
for those dependent on them, the repair of their desecrated house 
of worship early received their attention. The walls remaining 



222 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

firm, and liaving sustained little if any injury, the work of repair 
was soon commenced, and completed as early as practicable. 

Of course tlieir old bell was ruined through the combined in- 
fluence of tlie fire and its fall from the top of the tower. Colonel 
Rutgers, a friend of the church, and whose family had participated 
before the fire in the hospitality of the inhabitants of Kingston, 
presented the church with a new bell, which led to some amusing 
circumstances connected with the procuring and hanging of the 
present church bell, whose loud but sweet, silvery tones, prior to 
its present cracked condition, excited the admiration of all who 
heard them. 

The bell presented by Colonel Rutgers was like a ship's bell 
in appearance and sound, and after it was moiTuted proved very 
disagreeable to the inhabitants. They wanted sometliing that was 
not a constant reminder of the English man-of-war's bell and were 
determined to have it. The trustees being, as usual, appealed to, 
promised their assistance. An arrangement was accordingly made 
through Jacob Leroy & Son, merchants of New York, to obtain 
one from Holland. 

Some time afterward, in 1794, the new bell arrived from Hol- 
land, and was accompanied by a letter in Dutch, of which the fol- 
lowing is a translation : 

" Right Honorable Sirs 

" Upon your worshipful request, to my friends, the Messrs 
Jacob Le Roy & Son, of New York, and through their worships 
presented to me, on your behalf, about a Church Bell with a clajj- 
per, for the Congregation of Jesus Christ at Kingston, my breth- 
ren ; so I reckon it no small honour to me to have received this 
request, but at once by those to be in a condition to know and to 
obey or fulfil it ; and I send the same, insured, by Capt Gilcrist 
of the ' Minerva,'' hoping and wishing that it may arrive safe, and 
may answer its true design ; so that when, on the day of rest, she 
lets her voice be heard, the Congregation may diligently come up 
to the House of the Lord, to hear his word with profit and to make 
needful use of it. 

" This bell, with all its apparatus, was cast within this city ; 
thus it is a genuine Holland Amsterdam Bell. I have tolled it 
several times to try it, and the sound of it close by is very good. 
I have not doubted since, but that when it comes to be hung on 
high, it will give more satisfaction. 

" But you will please to instruct the manager at the hanging 
up of the same, to mark well that it hangs exactly perpendicular, 
that is to say, on all sides alike straight up and down ; for if it is 
turned or hung over too much on one side, a body runs the risk of 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 223 

crarking it, and this ran with cantion be prevented by fixing the 
strap in the right place. 

" The account of tlie cost I liave sent to the Ilerrn Jb. Le Roy 
& Son, and delnted their worships for tlie pi-ice. This you will 
well find witli them. Next having myself felt for in your wor- 
ships' favor and love, as a brother of our new modelled reformed 
religion, so I reckon it my honour, with true and friendly greet- 
ing, to name myself to you and the dear brothers and sisters, 

" Right Honorable Sirs your dear and dutiful servant and 
brother Paulus Kt k 

" Amsterdam, the loth May 1794." 

The bell as soon as possible was unpacked with great care and 
raised to its ai)pointed place, and hung with all the skill of their 
best workman. When it was tolled, however, great disappoint- 
ment was depicted on every countenance, and the unanimous ver- 
dict was that it was good for nothing, that any piece of iron would 
sound as well. 

Many consultations and much discussion were had over the 
matter, when it was suggested that the trouble rested in the clap- 
per being fastened with a leather straj), sent with the bell, instetul 
of an iron hook ; but the change did not remedy the difficulty. 

It was then concluded to return tlie bell from whence it came. 
A letter was accordingly sent to Colonel Rutgers, requesting him 
to make the necessary arrangements for that purpose. The colonel, 
feeling confident that the trouble rested elsewhei'e than in the bell, 
at once wrote and inquired into the manner in which the bell was 
hung. He then ascertained that it was hung on a straight axis. 
He at once suggested to them tliat that was the difficulty, that they 
could not, with a bell of that size on a straight axis, give sufficient 
force to the clapper ; it shoidd be hung upon a crooked axis, and 
gave them the proper directions. The hanging was changed ac- 
cordingly, and a crooked axis adopted, by whicli the apex became 
elevated about nudway above the hoiizontal part of the axis. That 
solved the difficulty. After the change, the old sexton could bring 
sufficient strength upon the bell to give the necessary force to the 
clapper, and bring forth the loud and full mellow tones of one of 
the best bells ever hung in America. Then the old burgliers be- 
came satisfied, and smoked their ])ipes with comfort. Tradition 
says they turned their Rutgers bell over to the court-house. 

A fac-simile of the original bill of lading, in the Dutch lan- 
guage, for the church bell is here inserted as a matter of interest, 
followed by a literal translation thereof. 



224 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 



^ 












^. 




t<>^^,^^^-C.^t^-f^/!'^^ /i-^ iS-W^ 




















^31 
-2 



J • 



^^ 



Z7^ 



-r/ 



3:^ 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



225 



TRANSLATION OF lULL OF LADING. 

The subjoined bill of a metal church bell, to the account and at 
the risk of Le lioy & Son, at New York, loaded in the ship 
Minerva, Captain R. R. (xilohrist, being for the Reformed Church 
at Kingston, marked as in margin, and weighing as follows : 



[J. L. R. & Son]. Bill of lading metal church 

bell weighing 540 lbs. net at 10 per lb 

An iron claiiner 29 (fo 7 s 


/432 

10 

2 

2 


3 
10 

5 




A leather straj) 




A barrel and tlie packing 








EXPENSES. 

Premium on insurance for /500 @ 5 per 
cent & policy 1 41 - 

For freight by cart and packet to the 
vessel 1.4 

For passport, discount, money, export 

tax 13 . G 


/446 
55 


18 
10 








Commissions 2^/ 


/502 
13 


8 
11 






/515 


19 




f per Guilder m New York 


£85 

11 

2 

2 


19 

3 

12 

3 
3 


10 







Freight commission 


9 


Interest for 6 months a/c /515.19 @ | is 
£85.10.10 5 per cent per annum 




Cartage to ^Mbany pier 








Our commissions 2i per cent 


£102 
3 


2 

1 


1 
8 






1 


£105 


3 


4 



New York, U August, 1T94. 

Jacob Le Roy & Son. 
15 



226 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

In 1805, before the close of Dominie Doll's ministry, the trus- 
tees of the corporation of Kingston appropriated and paid over to 
the church out of the funds of the corporation, as a pi'esent, the 
sum of £3004 5s., which in the New York currency of that day 
equalled $7510.56. This donation, and the origin of it, will be 
more particularly referi'ed to in another chapter. Whether the 
liberal donations by the trustees to the church, from time to time, 
of land and money, really benefited the church, has been often 
mooted in later years, as much of it was used to satisfy present 
needs, and discharge the minister's salary and the oi'dinary ex- 
penses of the church ; so that when it thereby became depleted, 
the church and pastor suffered by reason of the difficulty encoun- 
tered in urging the congregation to make liberal contributions 
for the support of the Gospel, to which they had been previously 
wholly unaccustomed. 

'^ In 1808, Dominie Doll was succeeded by the Rev. John Gos- 
man, who officiated as pastor of the church for many succeeding 
years. He was a man of fine talents, richly cultivated mind, a 
beautiful wi-iter, and a faithful servant of his divine Master. 
Until then, the Kingston church stood as an independent churcli, 
ni;)t connected with the regular Judicatories of the Dutch Church 
in America. In September of that year the great Consistory was 
convened, and it determined by a large majority to join the Gen- 
eral Synod, and the Kingston church has since that time been 
united with her sister churches in submission to the jurisdiction 
of the General Synod of the Protestant Dutch Church in North 
America. 

A\hen Dr. Gosman first assumed the pastorate, a question 
arose which for a time created considerable feeling and dissatis- 
faction in the congregation. During the latter pait of the minis- 
tration of Dominie Doll his services were diversified, usually 

• preacdiing in the Dutch, but occasionally in the English language. 
When Dr. Gosman was settled, many of the old citizens wanted 
the use of the church at stated times — once a month, or of tener — to 
hold service in their mother tongue at their own expense. This 
privilege was peremptorily refused by the Consistory. While this 
controversy was at its height, two of the old burghers had a dis- 
cussion on the subject, when suddenly the advocate of Dutch 
preaching asked his opponent who was condemning it in strong 
language, what was the meaning of " 6e7^oW." He replied, "fo 
hold fasty' The discussion then ended with a brief commentary 
upon his capacity to appreciate and understand the English 
preacher. This trouble, for a time, created much feeling, and it 
rankled in the breasts of many of the older members until their 
removal from earthly scenes and labors. Thereafter, during Dr. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 227 

Gosman's ministry of m.iny years, unity and concord were happily 
prevalent in tlie f'onj;Te<;ation. 

Some of the early customs of the church in Kingston are set 
forth in an article published in the Dutch Church magazine, in 
1S2(), substantially :is follows : It was the custom in eai'ly days 
" to ring- the bell three times a day by way of notice to tidy house-' 
keepers, of their breakfast dinner and supper hours," also " when- 
ever there was a baptism or a christening, as it was called ; and / 
then the minister, with an Elder, and wlioever else pleased, went 
into Church and performed the rite of Baptism." . . . " It was 
the custom among onr forefathers, immediately before ringing the 
Inst bell for church service, to be notihed by a rap at each door 
from the ivory-lieaded cane of the gray-headed sexton, who sang 
out aloud, " cliureTi-Ume f and for this circuit was paid by each _ 
family two shillings per annum. The sexton also cariied to the 
clerk all written requests for the prayers of the congregation. The 
clerk had a long rod, slit at the end, into which he stuck the 
notices, and handed thcni to the minister, who in those days occu- 
pied a very liigli pulpit in the shape of a half globe mounted on 
the top of a colmiin and surmounted with a sounding-board. The 
minister wore a black silk mantle, a cocked hat, and a neck b;ind 
with a linen cambric " bcffif' on his breast. Cravats were then un- 
canonical. The first psahu used to be set with movable figures, 
suspended on three sides of the pulpit. The dencous, when service 
was ended, rose in their places, the pastor distilling on them tlie 
dew of charity in a sliort address ; they bowed, took each a bag 
fixed to a long black pole, with a small alann-bell fastened to the 
end, and went their rounds collectiifg the contributions. In mak- 
ing contributions at the collections in those early days, there were 
much used copper coins called toJcens, being stamped " Kingston 
Cliurch," wliich were redeemed at stated times. In those early days 
the comiuunicants never approached the comnuiuion-table unless 
apparelled in black. It was then also usual to stand round the 
sacramental board, wliich was placed at the foot of tln^ pulpit. 
Instead of an exhortation from the minister after administering 
the sacrament, the clerk read aloud a suitable chapter from Isaiah 
or John the Evangelist. The clerk also read a ]iortionof Scripture 
before tiie minister came into church, in order to draw the minds 
of the congregation from worldly matters. The singing was 
congregational, the leader occupying a desk in front of the 
pulpit." 

In later years, of course, the old customs became obsolete, and 
the church confonned itself to modern customs and ideas, not in 
all cases deservedly styled improvements. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 

ri^HE war for independence was now fnlly inaugurated, and it 
J- was no longer a contest for tlie redress of grievances. The 
die had been cast which terminated all hope or expectation of com- 
promise, and the result of the conflict, baptized in tlie blood of 
patriots, must be either liberty or slavery. Although in the cam- 
paign of 1775 the British had been compelled to evacuate Boston, 
they had successfully resisted the invasion of Canada by the co- 
lonial troops, succeeded in attaching the Canadian troops to the 
royal standard, and through the agency of the Indian chieftain, 
Brandt, and the sons of Sir William Johnson, had secured the ser- 
vices of nearly all the Indian tribes. 

As has been previously stated, wdien the contest commenced, 
and it was ostensibly only an effort for the redress of giievances, 
the British ministry sought to divide and separate the provinces 
through the influence of a Tory governor and council, and a Tory 
majority in the legislative Assembly of New York. In that 
they had signally failed. New York had stood among the 
first in resistance to the enctoachments and oppression of the 
mother country. The " Sons of Liberty" were early organized 
within its borders, liberty poles erected, and freedom" s flag flaunted 
to the breeze. The flrst blood shed in the contest moistened its 
soil within the city of New York, in the skirmish on the ISth day 
of January, 1770, between the citizens and the English, on Golden 
Hill, between Cliff and William streets ; and again on the next day 
when the English soldiers were met and resisted by some of the 
'' Sons of Liberty." 

The British Government now sought to accomplish the same 
division by force of arms. Their plan was to enter the State from 
the north with an ovei'i^owering army throiigh Lake Cham]:)lain, 
and thence proceed to Albany, there to form a junction ^ith an- 
other army entering the State with a powerful naval force through 
the Hudson from the south : at the same time their Indian allies, 
iinder Brandt and Johnson, stimulated by the promise of British 
gold for patriots' scalps, were to cany the tomahawk, scalping- 
knife, firebrand, destruction, and death through the border settle- 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTON. 229 

ments. With Xew York thus cnislipd, the provinces woiiM be 
divided, the Middle and Southern cut off from tlie Eastern, tlie one 
section txnable to assist the other. Their motto was " Divide and 
Conquer." 

The campaign of 1770 terminated with the sovitheru branch of 
the invading forces kept at bay below the Highlands, but with 
New York, Long Island, and iiuicli ol' Westchester County in their 
possession. 

A letter from London, dated September 26th, 1776, describes 
the progress of the Northern Amiy, according to the Britisli ac- 
counts, as follows : " Burgoyne's anny have found it impracticable 
to get across tlie lake this season, that the Naval force of the Pro- 
vincials, upon the lake, is too great for them to contend with at 
present ; tliey must build larger vessels, and they cannot be ready 
before next stammer. The army will therefore be obliged to 
winter in Canada. They will be in want of provisions unless sup- 
plied from England, and General Carlton has n^quested that a suf- 
ficient quantity be sent. The design was that the two arnnes, 
commanded by Gens. Howe and Burgoyne, should co-operate, and 
both be on the Hudson at the same time : tliat they should join 
at or near Albany, and thus cut off all communication between 
the Northern and Southern Colonies. " 

General Gates in a letter to the President of Congress, dated the 
29th of July, 1776, stated that a French gentleman had just arrived 
who "left Canada three weeks ago. He says Gen Carlton has 
summoned all the Canadians to be at St John's the last of August, 
to go with his army of 1(),0()() men, to drive the rebels before them 
like sheej^, and meet the Grand Army at Albany." General Gates 
added, " perhaps this may prove a vain boast," and so it did. 

Having given a brief summary of the result of the British cam- 
paigns in Northern New York in 1770, it will be necessary to turn 
back and refer more or less particularly to events occurring in the 
interior, affecting to a greater or less extent the particular subject 
of this history or its citizens. 

The patriots of the Revolution had much to contend against. 
Not only the well-ofRcered, disciplined, and appointed troops, 
and British foreign mercenaries on the battlefield and in open 
warfare, but the country was infested throughout with Tories 
and British sjnupathizors, wlio. living among the patriots as citi- 
zens, but loving British gold better than tlieir country, and secretly 
plotting with, assisting, and furnishing information to the enemy, 
were ready at any moment for the betrayal of their country or its 
citizens. The existence of such men in the country, and the con- 
sequent necessity of having a force at all times on hand to guard 
against their machinations, crippled the ability of the patriots to 



230 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

supijly the armies with their appropriate quotas. They did not 
dare all to go to the battlefield, and leave their wives, their chil- 
dren, and their property at the mercy of those wolves in sheep's 
clothing. The operations of some of these secret enemies will be 
brought to light when the proceedings of the Council of Safety 
shall be referred to in subsequent pages of this woi'k. 

General Washington wrote to his brother, under date of July 
23d, 1776 : " This country abounds in disaffected persons of the 
most diabolical dispositions and intentions, as you may have per- 
ceived, by the several publications in the Gazettes, relative to their 
designs of destroying the Army by treachery and bribery, which 
were providentially discovered." 

The existence of men of such character and disj^osition led to 
the following action by the representatives of the people in con- 
vention assembled, on the 16th day of July, 1776 : 

" Resolved unanimously ; that all persons abiding within the 
State of New York, and deriving protection from the laws of the 
same, owe allegiance to said laws, and are members of the State ; 
and that all persons passing through, visiting, or making a tempo- 
rary stay in the said State, being entitled to the protection of the 
laws during such passage, visitation, or temporary stay, owe dur- 
ing the same time allegiance thereto. That all persons members 
of or owing allegiance to this State, as before desciibed, who shall 
levy war against the said State within the same, or be adherent to 
the King of Great Britain or others, the enemies of the said State 
within the same, giving to him or them aid and comfort, are guilty 
of Treason against the State, and being thereof convicted shall 
suffer the pains and penalties of death." 

The campaign of 1776 was opened at the mouth of the Hudson, 
under the most disheartening circumstances for the patriotic 
cause. General Howe had landed on Staten Island, and soon had 
an army of twenty-four thousand men gathered rotmd him, well 
discii:)lined, and in every respect grandly equipped, and with a 
large and powerful naval force at hand and ready to co-operate. 
Within their ranks all was hannony, their troops were flushed 
with the expectation of an easy victory and a feeling of contempt 
for their opposing forces. 

Washington, to oppose the invaders, had gathered an ann^^ of 
nearly equal numbers, consisting largely of raw, undisciplined 
levies with very inferior martial equipments, many of them men 
who had hastened from the plough, the anvil, the saw, or the 
woodman' s axe, to stem the tide of invasion with whatever weap- 
ons could be hastily taken. The army thus gathered was com- 
posed of men from almost every section of the Union, of many 
different nationalities and castes, with sectional feelings and prej- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 231 

ndires, the -wealtliy and the cultured of one section revolting 
against meeting on terms of equality the uncultured plougliman 
and artisan of the other. Patriotic ardor was not sufficient to 
squelch this feeling of aversion and contempt on the one side, 
which, wounding the pride of tlie patriot on the other, gave rise to 
iiuanvls and disturbances to sucli an extent as to call for the intei- 
vention of the coinmander-in-chief. 

Geneial Wasliingtun thereupon issued the following appropri- 
ate address : " The General most earnestly entreats the officers and 
soldiers of the American army, to consider that they can in no way 
assist our enemies more effectually, than by making division among 
themselves. The honor and success of our army, and the safety of 
our bleeding country, depend upon hanuony and good agreement 
with eacli other, in the union of fieemen to oppose the common 
enemy and the sinking of all distinctions in the name of an Ameri- 
can. To make this name honorable, and to procure the lilierty of 
our country, ought to be our only emulation. He will be the best 
soldier, and the best ])atriot, who contributes most to this glorious 
work, whatever his station and from whatever part of the Conti- 
nent he may come." 

As soon as it became known in 1776 what the tactics of the 
British would be in the struggle or campaign of that year, Wash- 
ington made the best arrangement he could witli the raw and ill- 
equipped levies and insullicieiit forces at his command for tlie pio- 
tection of the city of New York and Long Islaiul. It was ap])ai'- 
ent, liowever, that the subjugation of those places by the British, 
with the powerful naval and large land forces imder the comniand 
of their officers, could be only a question of time. The true Amer- 
ican policy adoi)ted was to dispute every progressive step, and 
yield only when compelled so to do. 

Fortifications were manned at different points about the city, 
and special arrangements were made to prevent the passage of the 
naval force up the Hudson by the erection of forts on botli sides 
of the river at or near the entrance to the Highlands, and by 
placing ol)structions in the channel and across the river at points 
comnumded by the forts. 

On the 16th of July the State Convention, by resolution, di- 
rected "that one fourth part of the militia of the counties of 
Westchestei', Dutchess, Ulster and Orange be forthwith drawn out 
for the defence of the liberties, property, wives and children of 
the good People of this State." Then, after urging by resolution 
those who remain at lionie to render all necessary assistance to the 
families of those who enlist, the j-esolution directed that " all the 
men raised in the Counties of Ulster and Orange be stationed in 
the Higlilands, on the AVest side of tlie river, to guard those defiles, 



232 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the possession of which Brigadier Gen Clinton shall think most 
conducive to the safety of the State." The convention at the 
same time requested General Washington to appoint an officer to 
take command of all the levies on both sides of the river. 

In response to such reqiiest, General Washington, on the 19th 
of July, sent to the convention a communication, as follows : " The 
State of the Army makes it impossible for me to send up any Gen- 
eral officer in the Continental service to take the Command of the 
levies proposed to be raised ; and from the nature of the service, 
I should ajiprehend a knowledge of the Country and its inhab- 
itants would be very necessary. General Clinton, on all accounts, 
appears to me the most suitable person ; and as the appointment 
is made dependent on me I shall nominate him.'" Immediately on 
the receipt of the above-named communication, the convention 
" Resolved unanimously, that Brigadier Gen Clinton be and he 
hereby is appointed to the command of all levies raised and to be 
raised in the Counties of Ulster Orange Dutchess and Westchester, 
agreeable to the resolution of this Convention on the 16tli day of 
July last. ' ' The convention then, by further resolution, requested 
General Clinton to call out the troops of horse in those counties, " in 
order to watch the motions of the enemy's ships of war now in 
Hudson River." 

General Washington, in a letter to the convention, expressed 
gi'atih cation at the approval of his nomination, and further stated 
in regard to General Clinton that " his acquaintance with the 
Country, abilities and zeal for the cause are the motives that in- 
duced me to make choice of him." 

Upon the receipt of the resolutions requiring a levy of one 
quarter of the militia in Ulster and other counties, Colonel Jo- 
liannis Snyder, of Ulster County, called his regiment together 
to set apart the quota of men required. As there was a troop of 
horse attached to his regiment, a question at once arose, whether 
they were to be included in the draft, and be thus called on to do 
militia duty as footmen. They refused to submit to a di-aft, claim- 
ing that after having properly equipped tliemselves as horsemen, 
they should not be again obliged to equip themselves as footmen. 

The question created a great deal of trouble and angry feeling 
in the regiment, and threatened its dissolution. In oi'der to settle 
the question. Captain Silvester Salisbury, commandant of the 
troop of horse, addressed a letter on the subject to the president of 
the convention, stating the difficulty, and adding that his men 
were willing to turn out as horsemen at any time when called 
upon, but if obliged to serve as footmen, they would dissoh'e 
immediately. Colonel Snyder also communicated his views to 
the president of the convention, urging that the troop of horse 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTOX. 233 

should be subject to coiumanri and duties the same as the militia, 
and closed his communication by stating, " If they should now be 
excused, particularly in these critical times when all is at stake, we 
might rather have no ti-oop at all, for the ti'oop are chietly the 
princi]ial People, and ought of course to step forth and defend 
their lil)erties as well as any of the militia." 

The convention on the 3d of August finally settled the question, 
and " Unanimously Resolved That the troopers in the several 
troops of horse in the Tuilitia of the State, embodied by and under 
the authority of said State, who liave provided themselves with 
proper horses and accoutrements as troopers, be not compelled to 
serve as foot soldiers." 

The convention allayed all cause of jealousy on the part of the 
footmen by their resolution of the 8th of August, before noticed, 
requesting General Clinton to order the liorsenien out at once to 
duty ; also, by their general order of the 7th of August, emjiower- 
ing General Clinton to " order out the wliole or any part or detach- 
ment of the troops of horse, of the said four counties or either of 
them, for such time or times as he may think necessary, nutil the 
last day of December then next, unless otherwise ordered." 

Lieutenant-Colonel Johannis Ilardenbergh, of I'lster County, 
Avas stationed at New Yorlv with his regiment, under the coiuTuand 
of General Washington, to aid in the defence of that city. His 
regiment was composed of four companies of militia from Ulster 
Countv, and one from Livingston Manor. He was in the brigade 
commanded by Brigadier-General Scott. 

Some of his troops were without anus and without any of the 
accoutrements of war. On the !tth of August, 1776, Colonel Ilar- 
denbergh addressed a letter to General Woodhull, President of the 
State Convention, informing the convention of the destitute con- 
dition of Ills troops, and that he had done all in his power since he 
had been in the city to get a supply for them, but had been unable 
to do so ; and he solicited the conventi(m to put him in some way 
to get a supply for his men, saying that they were willing to 
allow for it out of their pay. 

On the same day that the letter was brought to their notice, the 
convention gave the necessary order for the supplies to be fur- 
nished and paid for out of the soldiers' pay. 

On the l-2th day of August, 1776, General Washington made an 
order for the command of the forces stationed in and about the 
Highlands, as follows : Brigadier-Generals James Clinton, Scott, 
and Fellows were to be under the immediate command of Major- 
General Putnam, Brigadier-Generals ]\rifflin and George Clin- 
ton's brigades to be commanded by Major-General Heath. 

On the 14th of August General Washington, together with a 



234 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

brigadier-general's commission, forwarded to General James Clin- 
ton the following complimentary letter : "I have the pleasure of 
foi'warding joii, by this opportnnity, a letter from Congress en- 
closing yonr commission for a Brigadier in the Continental Army ; 
on which appointment please accept my hearty congratulations. 
As the post yon are now at [Fort Montgomery] is an object of great 
importance, and I am acquainted with the officers under you, I 
must request that you will remain there till you hear further from 
me." 

Kingston, at this time, August, 177G, was burdened with a very 
large number of state prisoners, and the convention, on the 17th of 
that month, for the relief of the inhabitants, as well as the safety 
of the prisoners of war, directed their removal with all possible 
despatch to Morris town in the State of New Jersey. 

General Howe, after his arrival, had located himself with his 
large and splendidly equipj^ed army upon Staten Island, supported 
by his brother the admiral with a powerful naval force in the har- 
bor. While waiting for the arrival of his entire forces, he made 
advances for the settlement of the difference upon the basis of the 
Americans returning to their allegiance. Congress, however, 
turned a deaf ear to all propositions not founded upon a full recog- 
nition of independence. The British commanders also circulated 
pamphlets and hand-bills filled with flattering promises designed 
to create dissatisfaction and dissension among the people. His gilt- 
edged promises, of course, found many sympathizers and listeners, 
and through his secret emissaries among them he was kept advised 
of the American movements, and the disposition and changes of 
Washington' s forces. 

As before intimated, the army of General Howe was perfectly 
disciplined, and supplied with everytliing necessary for its perfect 
equipment. On the other hand, the troops of Washington were 
poorly armed, and consisted largely of raw, undisciplined levies 
unaccustomed to and impatient of military restraint and hardship. 
The American forces also, in numbers exceeding the British but 
little, if any, were necessarily scattered in guarding the many dif- 
ferent positions subject to attack and important to be protected and 
defended. 

General Howe, having the full command of the harbor through 
his naval force, could at any time concentrate his forces at any 
desirable point and crush its defenders with overwhelming num- 
bers. Under sucli circumstances the battle of Long Island took 
place on the 27th day of August, 1776. 

Under cover of the night, aided by infonnation gathered from 
Tory sympathizers, the British were enabled to land at different 
portions of the island and hem the patriots in on almost every 



niSTOHY OF KINOSTOX. 235 

side. The American troops fought bravely' and well, but, sur- 
rounded as they were by superior numbers, the result was not at 
any time doubtful. Those who could escaped ; many were taken 
prisoners, others killed in legitimate warfare, wliile otliers were mur- 
dered in cold blood by British and Hessian brutes, witli tlie cry of 
'' Ko quarter,'''' when their victims were prostrate and imploring 
mercy. General Woodhull, President of the Xew York Conven- 
tion, and commanding the Long Island forces, a man equally brave 
and noble, finding himself and men overpowered by numbers, sur- 
rendered, and delivered up his sword to a Hessian olficer, who im- 
mediately raised his right arm, and said to General Woodhull : 
" Long live the King," to which the general replied, " Lcmg live 
all of us ;" whereupon the Hessian brought down his sword and 
cut the general down, giving him a wound which, followed by gross 
neglect and ill-treatment on the part of the British, mortilied and 
proved fatal. 

"Washington crossed over from New York to Brooklyn, and 
there witnessed from an eminence the American defeat and the 
butchery of his soldiers without ability to succor or relieve. He 
dared not di'aw his forces from New Yoi'k, for then if still followed 
by defeat, the whole country would have been laid open to the 
invaders. 

Tliose of the American forces escaping reached the fortified 
camp, and further pursuit was at an end. The armies then rested 
within cannon-shot of each other. A very heavy rain set in, 
and it rained incessantly for two days and nights, interfering 
materially with hostile operations. Taking advantage of the 
weather, and favored by the darkness of the night and a heavy 
fog, Washington was enabled to embark the remnant of his forces, 
about nine thousand men, and land them safely in Xew York. 
He attended, notwithstanding the remonstrances of his officers, 
personally to the embarkation of his troops, and was the last man 
of the entire force to step on board a transport. The providential 
fog lifted when the last boat was beyond reach, and the British 
general had the mortification of seeing his opponents escape, whom 
he had considered as secure ^\ithin his grasp. 

General Howe has the reputation among histoi'ians of being 
kind and humane, but the battle of Long Island, with the cry of 
''No quarter to the rebels," and the brutal and inhuman treat- 
ment of the prisoners subsequent thereto, give evidence of a very 
different character. If not responsible for the inhuman war-cry 
and conduct of his troops on the battlefield, he cannot escape re- 
sponsibility for the subsequent treatment of the prisoners : that 
was entirely within his control. Happier, much happier, was the 
fate of the patriots whose life-blood moistened the sod of the 



236 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

battlefield, than that of those who, escaping death on the field of 
strife, were saved as prisoners of war, to be mnrdered by degrees 
in the vile pens and sugar-honses constituting General Howe' s mil- 
itary prisons in New York, where it was common for carmen to 
come in the early moin and carry away bodies by the load. Those 
dens, kept by Christianized and enlightened Englishmen under the 
command of General Howe, are properly rated on a par with the 
celebrated Black Hole of Calcutta. 

The possession of Long Island was the first step of the English 
general toward the occupancy of New York, and compelled the 
Americans to marshal their entire available forces. The State Con- 
vention had, before taking a short recess, appointed a Committee 
of Safety, and vested it with authority to exercise all or any of its 
powers during such interim. That committee took immediate 
action under such power, and on the 29th of August issued an 
order that "the Brigadier Generals and commanding officers of 
the Militia in the Counties of Orange, Ulster, "Westchester and 
Dutchess hold their militia in readiness to march at a minute's 
warning,' with five days' provisions and as much amnumition as 
possible, there being great reason to fear, tliat the whole force of 
the State may be needed to repel the invaders." 

On the 1st of September, General Washington, alive to the 
great emergency and danger of the situation, issued an order call- 
ing out the entire militia force of the State. Ulster County had 
then already contributed largely in men toward the defence of the 
country. A considerable number of its residents had enlisted and 
were serving in the Continental Army. Several of its regiments 
had been drafted and ordered for service, and were in the ranks 
for the defence of New York. One quarter of the remainder had 
been drafted and were serving in the passes of the Highlands, 
and the rest were under orders to march at a minute's notice 
with five days' rations. Thus was Ulster County situated when 
General Washington's order was issued. 

The Committee of Safety, in reply to General Washington, 
under date of the 4th of September, express very great concern at 
their inability to assist further in maintaining the important posts, 
and give among other reasons for their inability, the following : 
" That from the best representations they have been able to obtain, 
the number of armed and well affected militia in those counties 
(Ulster, Orange, Duchess, and Westchester) does not exceed 3100 ; 
the number of disarmed and disaffected persons, 2300 ; and the 
number of slaves, 2300. From a comparison of these numbers and 
from our firm opinion that the disaffected only want an opportu- 
nity of rising, that Gen Howe is actually endeavoring to enlist men 
in most of those Counties, and that our enemies would not scruple 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 237 

to stir up the slaves to bear arms against us, it would l)e extremely 
hiizarclous to the internal i)eace of those counties to draw out at 
present any more of the militia." 

After fjiving the above and other unanswerable reasons for their 
inability to assist further in maintaining the important jjosts, they 
assure his excellency " that the whole militia of the Counties of 
Ulster, Orange, Duchess and Westchester shall be ready to 
march, whenever your Excellency or Gen Clinton shall tliink it 
alisolutely necessary ; and to inform you that the Committee of 
Safety will immediately exert themselves in anning icith lances 
all such of the well affected Militia as are destilute of firearms." 

"What arms to be thought of as opposing the splendid, well-ap- 
pointed weapons of England's well-trained, disciplined troops ! 

At the same met^ing in which such letter and assurance were 
given, the Comnuttee of Safety passed a preamble and resulution, 
which, after stating that many of the militia in the different coun- 
ties are destitute of firearms, and declaring it to be the duty of 
the convention to arm the whole militia in such manner as may 
prove most formidable, appointed a committee of two from eai-h of 
the counties of Albany, Ulster, Orange, Duchess, and Westchester, 
to procure eight hundred lances for each of said counties. Derick 
Wynkoop and Robert Boyd were designated as the committee for 
Ulster County. 

Previous to the Cth of September, 177G, the convention of dele- 
gates of this State had appointed a committee to visit Forts Mont- 
gomery and Constitution, and upon the coming in of the report of 
that conmiittee at the above date, it was " Kesolved that it was of 
the utmost consequence to the safety of the State, and the general 
interest of America that a re-enforcement should be immediately 
sent to the forts Montgomery and Constitution, and that six hun- 
dred men should, with all possible despatch, be detached from the 
Jlilitia of the State, and sent to those forts as a re-enforcement for 
two months." 

The convention designated the quota of Ulster for such re- 
enforcemeut at two hundred men. It was also ordered that the 
colonel to comiuand the re-enforcement should be called from 
Ulster County, the lieutenant-colonel from Duchess County, and 
the major from Albany. 

Colonel Johannis Snyder, of I-vingston, was designated as the 
colonel to command the levies. John Dailey, Jr., of Duchess, as 
lieutenant-colonel. The major was left for future designation. 

The commanding officers of the several regiments in Ulster 
County, immediately after being advised of the levy ordered, met 
and agreed upon an apj)ortionment from their respective com- 
mands, as follows : Colonel Johannis Snyder's regiment, thirty- 



238 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

eight men ; Colonel Jonatlian Hasbrouck' s, sixty-two men ; Lien- 
tenant-Colonel James McLanghry's, tifty-six men, and Lientenant- 
Colonel Jacob Hoornbeek's, forty- four men. 

In a letter Avritten by him to the convention, dated the 18th of 
October, 1776, Colonel Snyder stated that he had an-ived at Fort 
Montgomery on the 27th of September with thirty-three men 
drawn from his regiment, the other live to complete its quota being 
sick and unable to come. That at the date of writing, he had only 
three hundred and seventj^-nine men in his regiment, leaving a 
deficiency of two hundred and twenty-one ; he then solicited the 
convention to order the field officers to forward their quotas im- 
mediately. 

The following is a list of the officers selected for Colonel 
Snyder' s regiment, drafted for the re-enforcement of the forts under 
the aforesaid order of the 7th of August. The commissions were 
not forwarded until the 28th of October : 

Colonel, Johannis Snyder. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, John Bailey, Jr. 

Major, . 

Ulster. — Captain, Frederick Schoonmaker ; First Lieutenant, 
Daniel Graham ; Second Lieutenant, Cornelius Van 
Wagonen. 
Captain, William Telfort ; First Lieutenant, William 
Cuddeback ; Second Lieutenant, Hendricus Terj)en- 
ning, Jr. 

Captain, Matthew Jansen ; First Lieutenant, ; 

Second Lieutenant, Evert Hofl'man. 
Orange. — Captain, James Sawyer; First Lieutenant, George 

Luckey ; Second Lieutenant, Gilbert Veail. 
Duchess. — Captain, Thomas Storm ; First Lieutenant, Eliakine 

Barman ; Second Lieutenant, . 

Captain, Ebenezer Husted ; First Lieutenant, John 
Wilson ; Second Lieutenant, David Ostrom. 
Albany. — Captain, Ithamar Spencer ; First Lieutenant, Henry 
Irwin ; Second Lieutenant, John Murray. 
Captain, John Williams ; First Lieutenant, Philip 

Staats ; Second Lieutenant, Peter Van Berrigan. 
Adjutant, David Bevier. 
Quartermaster, Coenraedt J. Elmendorf. 

The following copy of a letter, the original of which is in the 
possession of the author, refers to the adverse progress of events 
in the lower part of the Hudson, in the month of September : 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTOX. 2o9 

" Hackensack 23d Sepr 1776 
" Dear Brother Peter : 

"This is the first opportunity I had, since my retui'ii lioiii your 
quarters, to send you a line ; the conveniency of a post and nlinost 
every other we are now deprived of. I cannot doubt but you 
must havei heard of the alarming (changes hereabouts within the 
last four weeks past, we have lost Long Island, New York as high 
up as Harlem and Powles Hook. The event of the two former you 
must have heard the particulars of. Tlie latter, Powles Hook, was 
taken in possession by the regiilars yesterday four o'clock in the 
afternoon. Our troo]\s bi'ought off ev(>rytlung but a few pieces of 
heavy artillery, which the regulars took without heavy loss. They 
are now in possession of every jilace above New York that could 
annoy their shipping, and Imve a free range up the North lliver 
as high as the forts Constitution and A\'ashiugton, which i hope 
may effectually prevent their farther progress up, for the safety of 
my friends in your quarter, but have reason to doubt it. We are 
now left the open frontier, only a few troops along tlie banks of 
the meadows. The enemy have free access to all the ferries on this 
shore. This, together with the many disaffected persons about this 
place, occasions many citizens to leave it. Mrs Elting has pressed 
me hard this day to move her and child with some of my most 
valuable effects to Kingston. I'liis request, although perhaps very 
necessary, I am loath to comply with, as it must be attended witli 
so many difficulties. First, we have no communication by water, 
and almost all the wagons are in the Continental Service. . . . 

" Last Friday night about one quarter of the town [New York] 
was burnt to ashes. It broke out at sundry places near White 
Hall, followed Broad Street up to Beaver Street on the west side. 
So up to Bowling green, and foi' some distance consumed both 
sides of Broadway. Trinitj' and the southern churches, with almost 
every house between Broadway and the North river to near St. 
Paul's are down. We hear from head quarters that a Hag had 
been sent who informed that it had been done designedly, but not 
by GeneiTil orders, and that six men had been shot with torches in 
their hands and others had been hung. 



" Your brother 
Peter Van Gaasbeek." 



Peter Elting. 



Wliile the country was thus not only alarmed but endangered 
by the adverse progi'ess of events about tlie city of New York, 
on the '2d of October news came from the inhabitants of Papakonk, 
one of the border settlements, that they were threatened with an 



240 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

attack by the Indians. Their information or notice was derived 
from an old squaw, who, being on friendly terms with the settlers, 
had promised to notify them when any raid might be threatened. 
The inhabitants at once sent by express to Kingston for assistance, 
and infoimation was immediately forwarded from Kingston to the 
convention. , 

There were nine families in danger, amounting in number, 
including children, to about sixty or seventy. They were repre- 
sented, also, to have a large amount of grain and stock on 
hand, which, unless assistance arrived, they would be compelled to 
abandon and seek for themselves a jjlace of safety. The conven- 
tion at once directed the committee of Ulster County to order the 
rangers raised in the coimty to proceed immediately to the fron- 
tiers, and j>rotect the inhabitants, and further ordered that they 
expedite the enlistments to till their ranks. 

Besides the j^receding speciiic alarm, the inhabitants of the 
border towns of Ulster County were kept in continual ai)prehension 
of Indian raids upon them, and those who could were moving away 
from their homes as rapidly as they were able. Johannis Sleght, 
Chairman of the Kingston Committee, by letter to the representa- 
tive, Colonel De Witt, called the attention of the convention to 
that fact in the early part of October. The convention thereupon 
directed that the committees of Orange and Ulster jirovide for the 
defence of their frontier country by detachments from their militia, 
and the expense would be defrayed by the convention. 

But the troubles were not confined to threatened raids by Ind- 
ians upon the border settlements, the disaffected, and those of Tory 
proclivities, wei'e taking advantage of the general alarm, and began 
to move uneasily in their constrained positions. On the 17th day 
of September inforipation was given to the convention by the resi- 
dent members, that there were a great many dangerous persons in 
the counties of Ulster and Orange, and that from testimony taken 
by the different town committees, it was evident that eftoi'ts had 
been made in that section of the country to enlist men in the Brit- 
ish Army. The matter was at once refeiTed to the members of 
those counties as a committee, "to examine into the matter, and 
report what steps were necessary to be taken to j)revent the dis- 
affected persons from joining or aiding the enemy." 

In a few days, however, it became apparent to the convention 
that something more general and effectual was necessai'y, and that 
those two counties were not the only sections of the country thus 
embarrassed. The matter was thus brought up for consideration 
by the convention as applicable to the entire State. After some 
discussion it was determined to appoint a very important commit- 
tee, with full and plenary j)owers ' ' to inquire into detect and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 241 

defeat all conspiracies wliich miglit be fonned in the State against 
the liberties of America, with power to send for persons and 
papers, call out detaclmients of troops as they may deem necessary 
to suppress insurrections, and to draw on the Treasurer to an 
amount not exceeding ,£500." 

Tlie appointment of tliis important committee was taken l)y tlie 
convention into its own liands and selected by ballot. The mem- 
bei's constituting tliat conimittee, thus selected, were as follows : 
William Duer, Charles De Witt, Leonard Gansevoort, John Jay, 
Zephaniah Piatt, and Nathaniel Sackett. They were fortunately 
all men who could be safely and confidently intrusted in that deli- 
cate and very responsible i)osition. 

On the 12th of September, 1776, the Committee of Safety were 
startled with the infoiination that General Schuyler asked for re- 
enforcements for the Northern ArmJ^ In a few days, however, for- 
tunately. General Schuyler countermanded his request, as the con- 
tingency upon which it was supposed thej^ might be required did 
not occur. In the mean time, however, the call had been referred 
to a select committee, by whom a report was made the next day 
which contains some data in an official form which may be inter- 
esting to the reader, and therefore the important portion thereof is 
inserted : 

' ' The following drafts have already been made from the Militia 
of Ulster and Dutchess. Under a resolution of the seventh of June 
from Dutchess and embodied in Gen Scott's brigade and posted 
near tht^ city of New York 335 men, and from Ulster 300. A 
further draft was made on the 19th July of one quarter of the 
remaining militia of both counties, to form a part of Brig. Gen 
Clinton's Brigade, and stationed at or near King's bridge. That 
when in addition the draft of the 7th instant of 17.'5 men from 
Dutchess, and 200 from lister shall be completed to re-enforce foits 
Constitution and Montgomery, there would not be more than 700 
armed and well aifected men in the county of Dutchess, and 1000 
in Ulster, and that the forts in the Highlands with those re- enforce- 
ments would still be far from a state of security." 

After the capture of Long Island, it was evident that the pos- 
session of the city of New York by the British, and also of the 
county of Westchester, was only a question of time ; the convention, 
therefore, had their attention directed to the safety of the public 
records, and for that pur])ose, on the 9th day of October, they ap- 
pointecl a committee of their number with directions to renujve, 
with all possible haste, the records of the city and county of New 
York, and of the county of Westchester, to Kingston, there to be 
jilaced in charge of Dirck Wynkoo}), Abraham Ilasbiouck, aiul 
Christoi^her Tappen. 
16 



242 HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 

On the loth day of October, 1776, it was ordered that the com- 
manding officer of the militia of Ulster County send thi'ee hundred 
men of his command, well armed, and with three days' provisions, 
to Peekskill, to continue in service for three weeks. At a meeting 
of the field officers of Ulster County, on the 13th day of October, 
Major Andrew Wynkoop was designated to take command of the 
detachment thus ordered to Peekskill. 

As anticipated, the Americans found it impossible to hold the 
city of New York, and therefore as soon as it was perceived that 
General Howe was preparing and locating his troops for its cap- 
ture. General Washington wisely evacuated it. After the occu- 
pancy of New York by the British a number of skirmislies were 
had and some battles fought between the contending forces, with- 
out severe loss on either side, except when Fort Washington was 
captured, then the English took about two thousand jirisoners and 
a large quantity of artillery and anny supplies. In one of the 
battles referred to, which occurred on the 2Sth of October, Colonel 
Ritzemas's Ulster County regiment and Colonel Smallwood's Mary- 
land regiment greatly distinguished themselves, and received special 
honorable mention. 

Winter was now approaching, and an ice embargo would, in the 
ordinary course of events, before long prevent the use of the naval 
force in the upper Hudson, so that Howe made no attempt to force 
a passage through the Highlands, but turned his attention to New 
Jersey and Pennsylvania with the main strength of his army. In 
order to prevent New England from rushing to the assistance of 
those States and re-enforcing the patriot anuy, he despatched Sir 
Henry Clinton through Long Island Sound to Rhode Island to 
take possession there, and another detachment to create a like 
diversion in the South. The size of the anny and navy at his com- 
mand enabled him to do so without danger. 

Washington with his army was in a very embarrassing situa- 
tion ; while the opposing forces were flushed with recent triumphs 
and successes, and exceeded the Americans in numbers and dis- 
cipline, the patriot army was fast melting away by the temiination 
of enlistment and other causes, and the men, discouraged by recent 
reverses, could not be induced to re-enlist. The expected re- 
enforcements from other States were not sent, but were retained for 
the defence of their own borders. This greatly increased the 
burden upon the State of New York, and especially that portion 
above and about the Highlands. But little rest was allowed that 
winter for the usual so-called period of " winter quarters." 

On the !kl day of November the Committee of Safety ordered 
that the militia of Orange and Ulster counties hold themselves in 
readiness to march at a moment's warning to oppose the invasion 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTOX. 243 

of the enemy on the west side ot tlie Hudson River, and that Bri";:- 
adier-General Clinton give oixlers accordingly, and march lor tliat 
purpose on receipt of orders from Major-General Heath. 

Congress having on the IGtli day of September yielded to the 
urgent solicitations of Washington to enlist an army to serve dur- 
ing the war, to be under the cominander-in-('hief, four battalions 
had been allotted to the State of New York as its proportion. 
Ulster County furnished three companies under that call, and they 
were placed in the regiment comnuinded by Colonel Gansevoort. 
The committee on that subject appointed by the State Convention 
reported on the 2:sd day of December the progress made, and at tlie 
same time recommended that tlie State Convention request of Con- 
gress the privilege to raise a fifth battalion, to be under the com- 
mand of Colonel Lewis I>u Bois, of Ulster County. That sugges- 
tion was acted upon favoiably by both the State Convention and 
the National Congress, and the enlistment of the battalion was 
duly authorized. The officers were Lewis T)u Bois, Colonel ; JacolMis 
S. Bruyn, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Samuel Logan, Major ; and Henry 
Du Bois, Adjutant. Tlie captains were : Jacobus Rosecrans, James 
Stewart, Amos Hutchins, Philip I). Bevier, Thomas Lee, Henry 
Goodwin, John F. Hamtrack, and Jolm Johnston. That regiment 
was stationed in the Highlands in the spring of 1777, and remained 
there until tlie forts were taken. 

On the Gth day of November, at a meeting of the Committee of 
Safety, some resolutions and an address were reported and adopted, 
to be published at the head of every regiment in General Scott's 
brigade, and of every company of the detachment commanded by 
Colonel Snyder. Tlie resolutions and address represented to them 
the necessities of the service, the situation in which the country 
was placed, and ni-ged them in the strongest tenns to continue in 
service until the last day of December. 

On the 30th day of November a letter was received fi-om Gen- 
eral Scott, wherein he stated that from the returns he found that 
tlie number in his brigade who were willing to continue in service 
for another month were too inconsiderable to be retained. 

Colonel Snyder's regiment all left for home as soon as their 
tei'ui expired, and of General Scott's brigade only one hundred 
remained. 

At a meeting of tlie Committee of Safety for the State of New 
York, held at Fishkill, Deceuiber 8t]i, 177(), it was resolved that a 
committee of three gentlemen be recpiested to go immediately to 
George Clinton at New Windsor, vested with full power, in con- 
junction with General Clinton, to call out the militia of Ulster and 
Orange counties, and to station them at such places as they may 
think will contribute most to the safety of this State and the gen- 



244 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

eral interest of America. Resolved, That Mr. Robert R. Livings- 
ton, General Scott, and Mr. Duer be the said committee. Subse- 
qnently, on the same day, at a meeting of Brigadier- General George 
Clinton, R. R. Livingston, Brigadier-General Scott, and William 
Duer, it was 

" Resolved, that all the Militia of Orange and Ulster not at 
present in the Continental service, and which compose the Brigade 
commanded by Brigadier Gen George Clinton, be forthwith ordered 
to march, properly armed and accoutred and ^\"ith four days' pro- 
visions to Chester in Orange County, there to receive further orders 
from Brig Gen Clinton. That the said Militia be allowed Conti- 
nental pay, and rations and one penny per mile in lieu of rations 
'till they come to the place of rendezvous. 

" Resolved, that George Clinton be empowered to make xise of 
the arms and accoutrements belonging to this State, and now at 
New Windsor, for the pui'pose of equipping such of said militia as 
are not anned. 

" Resolved that it is the opinion of this committee, that Gen 
Clinton march, with the militia, the companies of Rangers raised 
in tlie County of Ulster, under the command of Captain Jacob 
DeWitt and Captain Jacob Hasbrouck. 

" And whereas in the opinion of the honourable general Con- 
gress and from the measures pursued by the enemy, it is evident 
that the security of the United States depends principally upon the 
preservation of the State of New York, which can only be effected 
by preventing the passes of the Highlands on Hudson River from 
falling into the hands of the enemy ; yet it is the linn intention, 
and earnest desire of the Convention of this State, to give every 
assistance possible to any of their sister States or to the United 
States in general consistent with that grand object. 

" Resolved therefore, that it is the opinion of this Committee, 
that Gen George Clinton be ordered either to join the army under 
the command of Major General Lee, or IVfajor General Gates, pro- 
vided it be the intention of either of these officers to form a sepa- 
rate army for the purpose of falling upon the enemy' s rear, or 
cutting off their supplies, and that he vigilantly attend to the 
motions of the enemy in such a manner, that lie may be able to 
retain the passes of the Highlands on Hudson River. 

" Resolved that if it shall be tlie orders or intentions of Major 
General Lee or Major General Gates to join the main body of the 
Continental army, that nevertheless Gen Clinton do foi'thwith 
mai'cli into the State of New Jersey so far as he thinks consistent 
with the preservation of the passes of the Highlands, and that he 
exert himself to tlie utmost in collecting and rousing the spirits of 
the militia of the said State, and overawing and curbing its dis- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 245 

affected or revolted subjects, whenever he shall be called upon by a 
proper civil or military authority of said State." 

Thus teruiinatcd the campaign of 1770 in New York, leaving 
the Highlands and the river through and above them in the posses- 
sion of the pati-iots, and the English invaders at the nortli retired 
to winter quarters on Canadian soil. 



CHAPTER XV. 

INTERNAL TROUBLES AND TORY OPERATIONS. 

BEFORE proceeding to any further detail of the movement of 
armies or tlie progress of war on the battlefield, there are 
other matters which properly claim our attention. The matrons of 
1776 were exceedingly fond of the good old Hyson, and were very 
sensitive at being deprived of its use. When patriotism demanded 
their abstention, to repudiate the right of Great Britain to tax, 
they could submit, but when that question was no longer involved, 
and it was the merchant withholding for the purpose of si^eculation 
and demanding exorbitant prices, they considered that a very 
different principle was involved, and resolved that tea they must 
and would have. The matrons in the old town of Kingston were 
specially determined in that matter. 

In order fully to understand the true state of the question, it 
will be necessary to I'efer back to the history of the tea, or, rather, 
the manner and time in which it came into this country, and the 
legislation in regard to it. 

Befoi-e the English duty attached, and before the importation 
and sale of teas were prohibited, some capitalists had imported and 
held a large amount thereof in store on speculation in anticipa- 
tion of a scarcity. Congress, however, prohibited its sale as well 
as its importation. After the country became involved in war and 
independence was declared, the holders made ai^plication to Con- 
gress to remove the prohibition against the sale, and procured the 
assistance of the New York Convention in memorializing Congress 
for that purpose. Congress removed the prohibition against the 
sale, but prohibited its sale at a greater price than six shillings a 
pound. The holders of the tea refused to sell at such a price, and 
exhibited a desire to prey upon the wants of the community, or, 
as expressed by the Committee of Safety, " have refused to dispose 
of their stock of tea on hand, until such time as an artificial scar- 
city shall induce the good uiomen of this State, to tempt them to 
vend it by offering exorbitant prices." 

It appears by the following tliat the tea-loving matrons were 
taking another tack than offering exorbitant prices, and were de- 
termined to see what influence threats might have upon the action 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTO.V. 247 

of the authorities. On the 2(>th of April, 177(). a coimnnnication was 
presented to the New York I'rovincial Convention from Johannis 
Sleght, cliairnian of the Kingston committee, in wliich lie stated 
that "the women surround the committee chamber, and say if 
they cannot have tea their husbands and sons shall tight no more." 

On the 8()th of Septeml)er, 177(5, a committee was a]ipointed by 
the State Convention, on motion of Mr. I)e Witt, to take into ccm- 
sideration " tlie abuses committed in the withholding of tea by the 
owners or agents thereof, within this State, and also in the sale 
thereof at higher prices than that limited by Congress," vdth direc- 
tions to rejiort without delay. The committee made a report 
promptly to the c<mventi(>n on the 1st oi Oct()l)er. The report was 
read, and after some time spent thereon its further consideration 
was postponed until the next day. But the convention does not 
appear to have taken any furlher action ui)on the report. 

On the 8th day of October, 1776, Johannis Sleght, as chainnan 
of the Kingston Committee of Safety, reported to the convention 
that a man had been at Kingston to remove some tea which Grodus 
Beekman had stored in the house of John Elmendorf, and the 
committee had refused to pennit its removal. He further reported 
that the committee had resolved that no tea stored in Kingston 
should be removed until the convention took some action on the 
subject, and in the mean time they would use their utmost 
endeavors to keep peace and good order. 

No action was taken and the people became impatient. Some of 
the matrons and spinsters in Kingston determined that they would 
have some of "the creature comfort;" accordingly, a number of 
them collected together and proceeded in a body to the storeliouse 
of Mary Elmendorf, where they knew it was kept ; they forced their 
way in, and each one, after weighing out what tea she wanted, de- 
posited the price, as regulated by Congress, on the counter, and left 
rejoicing. This, |)erhaps, was not the only case of an involuntary 
sale. But whether it was or not, some comiilaints which follow will 
show that there was more or less involuntary ilisi>os;d of tea to some 
of the sterner sex without the fornuility of consitlering the price. 

On the 17th of Octobei- the (\)mmittee of Safety, sitting during 
the recess of the convention, had tiie tea questicm under consider- 
ation, and then ordered " that the Committees of the several 
Counties take the tea in store within their respective counties, in 
their possession, and sell it by retail at six shOlings a pound, and 
account for the proceeds to the ownere ;" at the same time they 
expressly prohibited the sale of any more than twelve ])ounds to 
any one person, for tlie use of one family. But four days afterward 
the publication of the resolve was postponed until further orders, 
so the question remained in siatii quo. 



248 HISTOKT OF KINGSTON. 

On the IStli of November Joliannis Sleglit, as cliaimian of the 
Kingston committee, again addressed the convention by letter, 
stating that ' ' the Inhabitants of this (Ulster) county till within a 
few days have been distinguished for tlieir firmness and attach- 
ment to the resolves of Congress and committees ; in short, have 
been as peaceable, we flatter ourselves, as any people in this State ; 
but it is with regret, that we are under the disagreeable necessity 
to inform you, that we are daily alarmed, and our streets filled 
with mobs fi'om different j)arts of the county, breaking of doors 
and conmiitting of outrages to the disturbance of the peace and of 
the good People of this town, owing as we have reason to believe, 
to the misfortune of having that detestable article, called tea, 
stowed here, which is taken by them and divided or distributed in 
such manner as they think fit. We have heretofore assured the 
good People, that your Congress would pass a resolve for the dis- 
posal of that article lodged here ; and it is asserted (by what 
authority we know not) that your Congress had passed a resolve 
to that purpose, but that before the piiblication thereof repealed or 
made void the same, which the People, whom we have had before 
us, assign in justification of tlieir conduct in the premises. We 
now entreat you to advise us how and in what manner we shall 
suppress these disturbances. We will not presume to dictate to 
your honourable House, but are well assured that if a resolve was to 
be passed, establishing a price and ordering a disposal thereof, it 
would tend to the interest of the proprietors, and the j)eace of the 
good People of this State. 

" By order of the Committee." 

It looks very much as if the monopolists in tea had a pretty 
strong hold upon the convention ; for some reason they appear to 
have been very loath to take action on the tea question. As late 
as December 8d the fact of the disturbances was again bi-ought to 
the notice of the convention in a letter written by John Elmendorf, 
with whom a portion of the troublesome article had been stored. 
In that communication he declined to accept a trust Congress liad 
by resolution conferred upon him, ' ' for reason of such daily depre- 
dations and plunder of private property at my house. You are 
sensible when such outrages are committed, in having your doors 
si)lintered, forced, etc., it is requisite for an honest man, and a 
lover of his country's rights, to alleviate the distress of my good 
family with my presence. Nothing grieves me more than daily to 
observe, and be an eye-witness to such confusion and turbulent 
dispositions of the peojile." 

Tlie convention does not appear to have made any final disposi- 
ticm of the matter, and a party from Connecticut having three large 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 249 

packages stored in Kingston of several thousand pounds, made 
complaint that when he came to take possession one of the pack- 
ages was entirely gone. 

But tliere are otlier and more serious internal difficulties to 
record before proceeding furtlier in the general narrative than the 
tea episode. The State was cursed witli the presence of disaffected 
men scattered thi-oughout its entire range. Although Tories at 
heai-t, many of them lived in apparent friendship with tlieir patri- 
otic; neighbors and of the cause of freedom. Ready, however, at 
any time to betray and sacrifice their country, they had their secret 
signs, marks, and signals, by which they were weU known to each 
otlier and well understood by the British spies and emissaries 
prowling around. They were not all so shrewd, however, as always 
to escape detection ; their doings were occasionally brouglit to 
light, the prisons liecame tilled to overflowing, and the gallows was 
occasionally resorted to to render well-deserved punishment. Pris- 
ouers wore sent to Kingston from almost every direction, and when 
its jail was filled to ovei'tlowiiig vessels were anchored out in the 
Rondout stream and used to take care of the surplus. A companj^ 
of soldiers was kept constantly on duty to insure their safe-kt'e])ing. 

The records of a few of the e.\.amiuations and trials of offenders 
have been preserved, and narrations of some of the cases will follow. 
History must necessarily cover the transactions of foes within as 
well as foes without. 

C)n the .5th day of May, 1777, a preamble and resolution in re- 
gard to county committees was passed by the State Convention, as 
follows : 

" Whereas it has been found by experience that the several 
Committees within this State have greatly contributed to the public 
security and defence, by expediting the measures necessary for tlie 
genei-al weal ; and whereas it will be necessary that the salutary 
influence of such Committees shall be continued until the Govern- 
lui'ut of this State shall be firmly settled and obtain its full energy 
and vigor 

•' Therefore Resolved, that it be recommended to the inhabitants 
of this State to choose such active, spirited and discreet subjects 
of this State, as they shall deem proper for memljers of the several 
Committees within their respective counties, and to continue as 
members of such committees, until the first day of October next, 
and although the office of a member of any of said Committees is 
extremely painful and laborious, yet as the service will expire 
before the said day, it is most eai'npstly recommended to the good 
subjects of this State, cheerfidly to undertake, and vigilantlj^ to 
execute the said offices, more especially as the last hope of our 
dispirited foes is now grounded upon those intestine divisions, 



250 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

which they so assiduously hibor to promote. By the assistance of 
which, they expect to accumulate greater evils upon a country, 
which they cannot subdue, and without which all their diabolical 
designs must prove utterly abortive." 

On the 31st of March, 1777, an investigation was had and testi- 
mony taken before the Committee of Safety and Observation of the 
Precinct of Mamakating, in the county of Ulster, in which the 
following facts were developed : On the Wednesday previous to the 
31st of March, Samuel Waring came to John More and asked him 
to join in a plot against the Whigs, and explained that the design 
was to meet with Joseph Barton at the Sussex Court House, New 
Jersey, on Wednesday of the following week. Barton was to be 
there with a large number of men. A party was also expected 
from the north, across the Lakes, with a band of Indians. The war 
vessels were exj)ected to sail up the river about that time, which 
would draw all the militia down to guard along the rivei", and leave 
the country back unprotected. The men would then divide them- 
selves in different parties, fall upon tlie unprotected country, and 
cut off and destroy what they could. It also appeared, in that 
investigation, that recruiting officers were around, secretly enlisting 
men in the service of the King under promise of large bounties and 
pay. 

On the 5th of April, 1777, a stranger came to the house of Isaac 
Low, who kept a tavern in the precinct of New Paltz, and solicited 
entertainment ; he represented that he came from Warrack, in the 
State of New Jersey. After some conversation he applied to Mr. 
Low to take him to Mr. Trompoor' s, where he had left his horse, 
and he exhibited a pass under the name of Jacobus Bay. Low 
declined, on account of the sickness of his wife, but finally agreed 
to take him part of the way. When they were about starting the 
stranger wanted to be taken by a route to avoid Kingston ; he gave 
as a reason that he came from New York, and as there was a guard 
at Kingston, he would be arrested. He then in further convei-sa- 
tion admitted that his real name was Goos Quackenboss, and he 
expected to be a lieutenant ; that he had been sent up to fetch 
people down, and would soon return on the west side of the river 
with a number of men. Low then took him to Garret Freer, in the 
town of Kingston, on the south side of Rondout Creek, and 
left him there. Freer put him forward in his jouiTiey, by water, 
so as to avoid Kingston. 

Complaint was made by Cornelius Elmendorf, Jr., to the 
Committee of Safety and Observation of the town of Kingston, 
that Jan Freer had, on the 5th of April, conveyed from his house 
by water, in his canoe, a person justly suspected of being an enemy 
of the State of New York, and that Ins fatlier. Garret Freer, had 



IIISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 251 

aided and assisted liim therein. Garret and Jan Freer were then 
cited before the eoiniuittee. Jan Freer acknowledged that he liad 
conveyed the suspected person away in his canoe, and tliat his 
nitlu'i-, (Jnri'et, had sent his ne<iTO with him to assist. Tlie coni- 
nuttee then tendered to both Garret and Jan tlie oatiioi' allegiance, 
which they refused to take ; upon sucli refusal they were both 
committed to jail. 

Some time afterward Garret Freer being anxious tcj visit his 
home, and haA'ing applied for permission so to do, his application 
was granted u]ion the temis specified in the following resolution of 
the Committee of Safety : 

" Resolved tluit the Gaoler deliver Garret Freer to the care of 
such person, as the Minister Elders and Deacons of the Church of 
Kingston, shall direct, they engaging to return the said Garret 
Freer to jail, the evening of the same day they take him out ; and 
that the said Gaoler do again receive the said prisoner, and keep 
him agreeal)le to his mittimus." 

In the ])roceedings of the convention of the 13th of May is the 
folloAving entry: "Garret Freer, a prisoner confined in rlic jail 
below, was l)r()uglit up and admonislu'd by the President, and a 
discharge for him delivered to the Sheriff on his paying the fees 
due." 

On the 8th day of August, 1777, Jan Freer, on account of the 
dangerous illness of his father, was discharged from ju-ison on his 
giving a bond, with security in £400 for his future good behavior, 
and that he would surrender himself whenever required by the 
Council of Safety or executive power of the State. 

On the 9th of April, 1777, Cornelius Newkirk and William 
McDarmoth, of AVagh Kunk, in the towni of Kingston, wei'e cited 
before the Committee of Safety and Observation charged with cer- 
tain treasonable discourses. On being separately examined they 
jiartially denied the charge. They were then discharged ujxju 
voluntarily subscribing and taking the oath, of which the follow- 
ing is a coj)y : 

" I, the subscriber, do most solemnly swear that I renovince aU. 
allegiance to the King of (4reat I^ritain, that I will be a, good and 
true subject to the State of New York, that I will to the utmost of 
my power defend the said State against the enemies thereof, and 
that I will discover all pilots and consjuracies against it, which may 
come to my knowledge, and pray God Almighty so to keep me as 
I do faithfully and sincerely keep this oath and declai-ation." 

On their journey home, Xewkirk and iMoT)arnu)th stojiped at 
the house of Mr. .loseph Osterhoudt, about four miles from Kings- 
ton, and lodged there. At that time the houses usually were only 
one story, and the loft not divided into rooms. To secure privacy 



/ 



253 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

for females, their bedsteads were surrounded with curtains so 
hung as to be closed all round. Newkirk and McDarnioth re- 
tired soon after their arrival, and were shown to their beds in the 
upper room. There was a bed such as is described above in that 
room, wliich bed Mrs. Elizabeth Yeomans occupied ; but it ajjpears 
not to have been noticed by the two lodgers. 

Soon supposing themselves entirely alone, they commenced a 
confidential talk, which was substantially, according to Mrs. 
Yeomans' testimony, as follows : Newkirk said, " They take us to 
be good Whigs, but my heart is the same as before." McDar- 
nioth replied, "So is mine, but we now have taken the oath." 
Newkirk said, " They read the oath to me several times, but I had 
taken care that I sliould not hear it, for I stopt my ears with wool, 
which I brought fi'om home, as I expected they would offer the 
oath to me." McDarmoth said, "I did not think so far; when 
the oath was offered to me I asked what oath I was to swear ; they 
told me to be tnie to the country, and I could do that, and free 
my conscience, for it is our country, where we were born, but the 
King is the ruler of the country." They had considerable further 
talk ; part of it was about hanging a man, and also aboiit keeping 
an account of all their expenses. 

The next morning Mrs. Yeomans gave information of the con- 
versation overheard by her, and the two Tories were again arrested 
and taken before the committee. Upon examination they admitted 
the truth of Mrs. Yeomans' statement, and consequently were com- 
mitted to jail. 

It appears by proceedings before the Kingston committee and 
certificate of Christopher Tappen, that in the latter part of April, 
-/, 1777, Abraham Middagh called at the house of Jacobus S. Davis, 
' in the town of Marbletown, and inquired of him wliether there 
were any strangers about. Upon receiving a negative reply he 
stated that Jacob Middagh had come up with him, and was near 
at hand, and if he would go with him he woiild bring him to him. 
They went to the house of Frederick Bush, where they found 
him. 

Jacob Middagh told Davis that he had lately come from New 
York in order to inf onn his friends and acquaintances how matters 
were circumstanced there, and that he would make gentlemen of 
all those who would go down with him ; that the party wlio had 
previously gone with him were encamped at Jamaica, on Long 
Island, and lived well ; they had provisions of all kinds in plenty ; 
that every man of family who went down with him to New York 
would be entitled to one hundred acres of land for himself, fifty 
acres for his wife, and fifty acres for every son. They would not 
be obliged to fight unless they were so inclined, but would be 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 2o3 

required to take an oath of fidelity to tlie King of Great Britain ; 
tliat the British troops were to nio\-e up the Hudson Kiver by 
land as soon as the country would afford grass for their horses. 
They wanted Davis to go with them, but he refused. 'I'liey then 
told Davis that they were going to his father's house to enlist his 
brother Jacob, and they left. 

Next day Jacob ]\Iidd:igh returned with a number of men, and 
called at Jacob Davis's house. Middagh stated that Christian 
Winne had gone to Little Shandaken to get more men for him, and 
was to meet him in that neighborhood ; that he would have been 
away before if Winne had come down. \\'ilhelmus Merride and 
Jacobus Bush were in the company. Merricle encouraged the men 
who were to go down by telling them that it was a righteous cause 
in which they had embarked, and endeavored to prove it by Scrip- 
ture quotations. Jacob Middagh warned Davis that they would 
be the death of any person who gave information against him or 
any of his comi)any. 

The fuither history of that expedition appears by the certificate 
of Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, chairman of the Committee of Obser- 
vation, etc., of the Precinct of Shawangunk, of examinations had 
before that committee on the 30th day of April, 1777. Upon the 
examination of Jacob Davis before that committee, it was disclosed 
that Jacob Middagh and others came to his father's house on the 
23d of April, and asked him to go with them to Xew York to join 
the Regulars ; he consented, and immediately got ready to go, 
and his father provided him with provisions and other supjilies 
needed on the march. They went that night to Sliocan. The 
next morning they went to Jagh Cripplebush, and stopped a 
little while at Abraham Middagh' s ; from thence to Richard 
Oakley's, where they arrived about nine o'clock in the evening. 
After resting there awhile they went to William Wood's, in the Cox- 
ing Clove, where they met Samuel Freleigh, James Jones, and a Reg- 
ular officer, who told them that he and Jones were going along 
with them in the morning. They lodged that night at William 
"Wood's, and the next morning crossed the mountains near the 
Widow Bevier's, in the Xew Paltz Precinct. Lieutenant Jacobus 
Roosa and Jacob Middagh went to the Widow Bevier's and shortlj'^ 
returned. They then proceeded on their way, and were piloted by 
Joseph Sluyter to Cornelius Du Bois, where they crossed the 
Walildll. They took Joseph Preer and John Van Vliet x^i'isoners. 
After a short parley they let them go, but took their arms from 
them, and made them swear that " tiiey would not tell on them." 
They finally reached a barn of Arthur McKinuey, where they re- 
mained a day and night, while Samuel Freleigli, James Jones, and 
the Regular went to Major Golden" s. The major told them that he 



254 • HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

thought it would be impossible for them to get through the guard. 
Freleigh, Jones, and the Eegular officer then left them. On Monday 
morning they proceeded on their journey, but in the afternoon of 
that day they were attacked by a company of militia. Jacob 
Davis and Andries Longyear escaped, bat did not know what 
became of the rest. It also appeared from other testimony that 

v there were twenty-six men in the company. 

A large number of the band were arrested, and were tried by 
court-martial on April 30th and May- 1st at Fort Montgomery,.^ 
charged with ' ' levying war against the State of New York within 
the sauie, and of being enlisted soldiers in the service of the King of 
Great Britain, when owing allegiance to the State of New York." 

From the return made by General George Clinton, to the State 
Convention, of the trial and conviction of the prisoners, dated on 

^the 3d day of May, 1777, it appeared that Jack, a negro man, slave 
of Gysbert Roosa, with Daniel Reynolds and Peter Aldridge, were 
by the said court-martial acquitted of the charges brought against 
them respectively, and that Hendrick Crispell was excused from a 
trial on the said charges, in order that he might be made use of as 
an evidence on behalf of the State against other criminals brought 
before the court. That John Van Yliet, William McGinnis, Corne- 
lius Furier, William Teits, Coenradt Mysener, Andries Keyser, 
John Rapelye, Sylvester Vandemierken, Jacobus Roosa,NTacob 
Middagh, 'and Jacobus Longyear were adjudged guilty of the 
crimes wherewith they severally stood charged. Alexander Camp- 
bell was found guilty of holding correspondence with tlie enemies 
of the American States, giving them intelligence and adhering to 
them, and giving them aid and comfort and secreting them. 
Arthur McKinuey was found guilty of the same crimes, except the 
charge of secreting them. Silas Gardiner was found guilty of 
holding cori-espoudence with and assisting the enemies of the said 
States, and Isaac Lockwood was found guilty of attempting to join 
the enemy. The court-martial sentenced all who were thus found 

y^guilty " to be hanged by the neck until they be dead," except 
Isaac Lockwood, who was condemned to close confinement in a 
common jail during the pendency of the war, or until discharged 
by i)roper authority. 

The findings and sentences were all approved by the conven- 
tion, excei)t in the case of Alexander Campbell, which was not 
approved. 

On the 12tli of May, 1777, the convention passed a resolution 
pardoning all the condemned persons, excej)t Roosa and Middagh, 
but directed the pardons to be withheld from them at the dis- 
cretion of the convention. Council of Safety, or governor of the 
State, and in the mean time the pardons be kept secret. 



niSTOUY OF KINGSTON. 255 

Roosa and ^fiddao-li were subsequently executed by tlit^ sheriff 
of Ulster County. The others were confined in jail at Kinyston ; 
they wei'e eventually discharged, some at earlier and others at later 
dates ; some upon takiiii^ the oatli of alleiiiance, others upon liiving 
bonds for good behavior, and others u])on enlisting iu the Conti- 
nental forces. 

In one season during the Revolution a number of Toiies and 
deserters wintered in tiie mountains at the west end of Woodstock, 
at a neigliborhood called " Little Shandaken." At that time there 
were only four or five dwellings at tlie settlement, occu])ied by 
Frederick Row and his two sons, .fohn and Peter, and also the Carle 
family. Frederick Row was consideralily advanced in age. He had 
one negro. The refugees were some twenty in number, and had a 
log hut near a dark ravine in the mountains, about three miles 
from the settlement. In order to procure food, whenever a snow- 
storm occurred they would take that night to go to the settlement 
and get what they wanted. They were then always careful to wear 
their shoes wiong-end foremost, so as to make the track of one go- 
ing into the woods instead of coming out, and again changing the 
shoes on returning. Row's negi'o often carried them victuals by 
order of his master, but he was a patriot, and disliked tiie duty. In 
the spring the refugees went to Niagara and joined the British army. 
Row was a desei'tei- from Captain Elias Hasbrouck's company. 

On tlie 2d day of May, 1777, the convention, after declaring that 
a number of artful and designing persons in every county in the 
State were daily endeavoring, l\v exaggerating accounts of the 
power of the enemy, and other wicked and criminal practices, to 
\\'ork upon the fears of weak and timid persons, and to betray the 
liberty of the country, appointed a committee to pi'epare two or 
more vessels lying in the river for the reception of prisoners, and 
arrange to have them properly guarded. They also authorized the 
committee for detecting consjuracies, etc., to cause suspicious and 
dangerous characters to be ajiprehended thi-oughout the State, and 
coutine them on board those vessels ; and they by resolution 
further declared that any person thus confined who should be 
found on shore without being properly discharged, would be 
deemed guilty of felony, without benefit of clergy, and if found 
guilty by a jury empanelled for the trial, would be immediately 
executed. 

I'he following orders, made by the committee for detecting and 
defeating conspiracies, may be of some intei'est, as showing the 
usual manner and form of Judgment against disaffected and dangei'- 
ns persons : 

" In Committee on enquiring into and detecting and defeating aU 



K 



256 HISTORY OF KINGSTOK. 

conspiracies which may be found in the State of New York against 
the Liberties of America Jan 29th 1777 

" Whereas Matthew Goes Jr and Dick Gardinier are most notori- 
onsly disaffected to the American cause and have refused to s\\"ear 
allegiance to the State of New York. And ought not to have an 
opportunity by returning to their respective places of abode to 
exert their influence to the prejudice of the American cause 

' ' Resolved that they forthwith be removed to Ulster County and 
confined at their own expense at the hoiise or farm of such noted 
friend of the American cause as Charles De Witt Esquire one of 
the members of this Committee now in the said county shall pre- 
scribe. And further that they respectively give their parol of 
honor to Charles De Witt Esq not to depart from such house uith- 
out license first had from this Committee or the Convention or 
future Legislature of this State. And that they will not in the 
mean time by word or deed directly or indirectly contravene or 
oppose the measures now pursuing, or which may be pursued by 
the General Congress or the Convention or future Legislature of 
this State or others acting under their authority for the establish- 
ment of American Liberty. And further that they will neither 
write nor receive any letters or other papers without immediately 
showing them to such person or persons as Charles De AVitt Esq 
shaU nominate for that purpose 

' ' Resolved that a Copy of the foregoing resolutions be transmit- 
ted to Charles De Witt Esq and that he be requested to execute the 
business thereby committed to him 

" By order of the Com 

" John Jay CTialrman' 

Although Ulster County was thus annoyed with Toryism, still 
they were not troubled to the extent their Whig friends were in 
the neighboring precinct of Rhinebeck, Duchess County, where, 
as appeared by a letter of Brigadier-General Petrus Ten Broeck, 
the Toiies were in open rebellion, and refused to obey the orders 
of the constituted authorities. At a meeting of the Committee of 
Safety, held on the 8d day of January, 1777, it appearing that the 
greater part of the privates in Colonel Graham' s regiment of militia 
residing in Rhinebeck Precinct, in the county of Duchess, refused 
to obey the resolutions of the Convention of the State, by which 
they were oi'dered to the defence of the passes in the Highlands, 
and also prevented those who were well affected from obeying said 
resolutions. A commission was appointed with full power to com- 
pel the obedien(;e of the disaffected persons, and to tender to tliem 
an oath of allegiance in the particular form prescribed in the 
resolutions of the Committee of Safety. Such of them as re- 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 257 

fused to take :iii(l subscribe to the oath were to he disarmed and 
arrested. 

In order to furnish the commission with tlie necessary jiower to 
enforce their orders, the Committee of Safety ordered General 
Clinton to dismiss two reo'iments of militia liplomrinii' to the 
north end of the county of Ulster from tlu'ir tliPii duty, and 
dii'ected that two hundred men be drafted thereout, put under the 
command of a held t)fiicer, and ordered to repair to the Flats 
in Khim.'beck on the 13t\i of January, and be under the direc- 
tion of the commission appointed as above stated. The com- 
mission was also authorized and enjoined to order the detach- 
ment of nulitia to hre upon, and otherwise treat as open enemies, 
sucli of the disaffected jiersons as persisted in their refusal to obey 
the authoi'ity of the State. 

The Ulster County nulitia repaired to their post of duty, a)id 
the trouble appears to ha;e been settled without proceeding to 
extreme measures. 

Peter R. Livingston, of the IManor of Livingston, on the 2d day 
of January, 1777, reported to the Connnittee of Safety in regard to 
his regiment, tliat "' upon the strictest inquiry the whole regiment, 
except a precious few, are so reluctant, and most of them so dis-^ 
affected, that little or no dependence can be ])ut in them ; numbers 
daily riding about the county, huzzaing for the King and drink- 
ing his health in the taverns." 

Such is a sample of the internal difficulties our ancestors had 
to contend against, with a powerful enemy ready to batter at their 
very doors. 

The following are inserted to show some of the proceedings of 
the Committee of Safety and of the convention, rendered necessary 
by the Tori(>s and their machinations, and the requisite provisions 
to put them where they coukl do the least harm : 

On the 28tli day of March, 1777, the convention ordered that a 
body of two hundred men be raised to guard the Continental sliips 
at Esopus Landing, antl the j^ublic records and Treasury of this 
State, against the designs of disaffected persons, as well as to guard 
the different passes antl roads fretpiented by those pei'sons for the 
purpose of conveying intelligence and going over to the enemy. 

On the 29th day of April, 1777, the convention further ordered 
that one hundred and ninety-eight able-bodied men, well accoutred, 
and armed with a good musket, a fuse, a sword or tomahawk, a 
powder-horn and bullet-pouch, or cartouch-box, be raised to serve 
in the county of Ulster, to be divided into three companies, to con- 
tinue in service until the l.')th day of July next, unless sooner dis- 
charged, to be subject to the order and direction of the convention, 
the Committee of Safety, or future executive power of the State. 
17 



258 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

That they be divided into three companies, fonning one corps. 
Of first company that Evert Bogardus be Captain, Edward Schoon- 
maker First Lieutenant, and Cornelius Dn Bois Second Lieutenant ; 

of second company that Isaac Belknap be Captain, Roosa First 

Lieutenant, and Abraham Schoonmaker Second Lieutenant ; and 
of the third company that Frederick Schoonmaker be Captain, 
Zacharias Hasbrouck First Lieutenant, and John C. De Witt Second 
Lieutenant. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE GOVERNiMENT. 

THE year 1777 furnislie.s for record as important and interesting 
events as have ever occurred in tlie colonial or subsequent his- 
tory of this State, whether considered in a civil or military sense. 

From a civil point of view, it witnessed the fonnation, perfec- 
tion, and putting in full and complete o])eration one of the best 
constitutions and State governments that has ever been framed. 

Viewed from a military standpoint, it chronicled the defeat and 
capture on its soil of one of the finest armies that Great Britain 
ever sent to America, and thereby taught the world that English 
troops and tlieir hired hosts were not invincible when brought face 
to face witli men determined to be free, and it further assured the 
linal trium})h of American arms and the cause of liberty. 

The convention charged with preparing and perfecting a consti- 
tution or government for the people, had, on the 1st day of August, 
177(), by resolution, delegated the important task to a committee 
of their number, consisting of Messrs. Jay, Hobart, William Smith, 
Puer, ^lorris, R. R. Livingston, Broome, Scott, Abraham Yates, 
Wisner, Sr., Samuel Townsend, De Witt, and Robert Yates — con- 
fessedly the strong men of the convention. 

Tlie committee were also directed to prepare and report at the 
same time, as the foundation for such form of government, "■ a Bill 
of rights and privileges for the good people of this State." 

After the English liad cai)tured New York, and acquired by 
their naval forces the full control of the Hudson River below the 
Highlands, and also of the East River, the New York Convention 
retired to Fishkill, and there held their sessions. Finding insuffi- 
cient accommodations at that place for tlie members of the conven- 
tion and those whose business required their attendance, a com- 
mittee was appointed to select a more convenient locality. 

The committee, on the :Ust day of January, 1777, reported that 
at Kingston fifty members could obtain good acconnnodati(ms at 
twenty sliillings a week, and a large room in the Court House 
would be convenient for the meetings of the convention ; that only 
thirty members could be acconnuodated at Poughkeepsie, but the 
Episcopal Church would furnish a convenient place for meetings. 



260 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

■^ The report came up for consideration at Fishkill on tlie 11th of 
February, 1777, when the following preamble and resolution were 
adopted : 

"Whereas the many great and momentons affairs now under 
consideration of the Convention, have occasioned a call of the 
house, and require the advice and assistance of all its members, 
and this village being too small to afford proper accommodations 
for the Convention and those who have business with the public : 

" Resolved therefore, that this Convention will adjourn from 
this place to Kingston in Ulster County, to meet on the nineteenth 
instant, and all the members of Convention ai'e peremptorily re- 
quired to give their attendance accordingly'' 

It was further directed that the absent members be infonned 
that "it is the intention of the house, as soon as they meet in 
Kingston, to proceed to the business of forming a plan of govern- 
ment." 

The Committee of Safety met in Kingston on the 19th day of 
February, 1777. 

The Provincial Convention convened in Kingston on the 6th 
day of March, 1777. In the proceedings of the convention the 
place of meeting is not designated. There can be no doubt that it 
was at the Court House. That was the place designated for the 
meetings in the report of the committee recommending removal to 
Kingston ; and it was certainly the place of meeting on the IStli 
of March, when the convention, on motion of Gouverneur Morris, 
adopted the following preamble and resolution : " Whereas from 
the past want of care in the prisoners now confined in the jail, 
immediately imderneath the coniientioii c/uimber, the same is sup- 
posed to have become unwholesome ; and very nauseous and dis- 
agreeable effluvia arises, which may endanger the health of the 
members of this convention therefore 

" Resolved that for the preservation of their health, the mem- 
bers of this convention be at liberty, at their pleasure, to smoke in 
the convention chamber while the House is sitting and proceeding 
on business. On motion of Mr Jay, Resolved that Capt Piatt, 
Mr Cuyler and Mr Duane be and are herel^y appointed a com- 
mittee, to devise ways and means for cleaning the jail below and 
removing the prisoners." 

: On the 18th of March the committee reported ways and means 
for cleaning the jail, and they wei'e agreed to. 

At the same meeting resolutions were adoj)ted appointing com- 
missioners in the several counties for taking into possession and 
exposing for sale the personal ju-operty of persons gone over to the 
enemy, the net proceeds to be deposited in the treasury, to be 
thereafter paid to the respective owners, or otherwise disposed of 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 261 

at the discretion of the Legishiture, leavino;, however, to each of 
the families of the persons aforesaid their apparel, necessary house- 
hold fiunitiire, and such jirovisions as will be sufficient for their 
subsistence for three months. 

Patrick Barber, Benjamin Sniedes, Jr., and JohaTinis Sleght 
were ai)i)ointed coniniissioners for Ulster County. 

On the 13th of ^farch, 1777, Captain Piatt, Major Lawrence, 
and yiv. Duane were appointed a conmuttee to inquii'e into the cir- 
cumstances of the prisoners contined at Kingston, and to administer 
the oath of allegiance, and to discharge such as may appear to be 
within the intention of the former resoluticms of the coiiveiition. 

On the 12th day of March, 1777, the conmuttee which had l)een 
appointed in the early part of the session to prepare and report a 
plan or form of government, presented their report to the conven- 
tion. After being read, it was. on motion of Colonel De Witt, laid 
on the table until the next morning, and ordered that the same be 
then taken under consideration. 

The next day, the 18th, the convention proceeded to the con- 
sideration of the reported plan of government, and thenceforward 
continued from time to time to consider it paragraph by paragraph, 
and made sundry amendments thereto, until the 2()th day of April, 
1777, when it was read throughout, and the proposed amendments 
were unanimously agreed to. The (piestion was then put iipon the 
adoption of the constitution as amended, and it was adopted by 
the affirmative vote of every memlier i^resent except Peter R. Liv- 
ingston, who requested that his dissent thereto be entered on the 
minutes. 

This important act occurred on the Sabbath day, revolutionary 
times knowing no day of rest. It was then ordered that the con- 
stitution of this State lie pul)lished at the Court House on the en- 
suing Tuesday morning at eleven o'clock ; and the convention 
further directed that the Kingston committee be furnished with a 
copy of the resolution, and that they notify the inluibitants thereof. 

On Tuesday, the 22d day of April, 1777, the meiubers of the 
convention, together with the people in the vicinity, were called 
together by the merry peal of the church and other liells in the 
village, to listen to the reading and promulgation of the constitu- 
tion of the State in front of the Court House. 

Preparatory to such meeting, the local authorities had for the 
accommodation of the officers erected a platform consisting of a 
few planks resting on baiTels. At the appointed hour Colonel 
Pierre Van Cortlandt, Vice-President of the Convention, and 
Robert Berrian, one of its secretaries, mounted the primitive ros- 
ti'um, and the secretary at once proceeded to read the document in 
the presence of the Jissenibled people. Thus was New York placed 



262 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 




THE OLD COURT-HOUSE IN KINGSTON. 



under a model constitutional government, and all tlie sacred rights 
of freemen guaranteed to lier citizens. 

The constitution thus promulgated was truly a model for com- 
pleteness and perfection in whatever light it may be considered, 
whether viewed simply as declaratory of the rights of the citizen, 
or as a system of government separately, or both combined. It 
stood the test of nearly half a century without any fundamental 
amendment. No subsequent constitution of the State can be said 
to be any improvement upon it, except in regard to such changes 
as became necessary by reason of the enormous increase and 
changes in population, wealtli, and business, fostered and produced 
by its own wise and beneficent provisions. 

Kingston has the lion or of having been its birthplace, Charles 
De Witt, a representative from Ulster County, with being one of the 
members of the distinguished committee who prejtared and reported 
the same to the convention, and Christopher Tappen, Matthew 
Rea, Matthew Cantine, Charles De Witt, and Arthur Parkes, dele- 
gates from lUster County, with being among those who attended 
and participated in the revision, perfection, and final adoption of 
the instrument as the Constitution of the State of New York. 



A committee. 



consisting of Messrs. 



R. R. Livingston, Scott, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 263 

Moms, Jay, and Ilobart, was a]i])ointed to prepare and report a 
l)lan for organizing and establishing tlie government agreed to by 
tlie convention. 

On the 30th of April, 1777, the committee reported a plan for 
organizing and establishing the government, and the convention at 
f)nce entered upon its consideration. After some time spent there- 
on, in accordance with the snggestions of the report, they pro- 
ceeded first to the fonnation of the Committee of Safety, to consist 
of fifteen members, to be clothed with full and plenary jjowers, 
nntil the complete organization of the State government. The con- 
vention then proceeded to the election of the members of sucli com- 
mittee by ballot. The following named persons were elected : 
John Morin Scott, Robert R. Livingston, Christopher Tai)pen, 
Altraham Yates, Jr., Converneur ^forris, Zephaniah Pliitt, John 
Jay, Charles De Witt, Rol)ert Harper, Jacob Cuyler, Thomas Tred- 
well, Pierre Van Cortlandt, Matthew Cantine, John Sloss Ilobart, 
and Jonathan G. Tompkins. 

The convention then i)roceeded to the appointment of some 
judicial and other officers, as follows : Robert R. Livingston, clian- 
cellor ; John Jay, chief-Justice ; John Morin Scott and Robert 
Yates, puisne judges ; but General Scott refusing to accept, John 
Sloss Ilobart was elected in his stead, and Egbert Benson was 
elected attorney-genej'al. 

On the Mh and 0th of May the convention proceeded to the 
election of various local officers, including, among others, Egbert 
Bnmont, sheriff ; Levi Pawling, first judge ; and Derick Wynkoop, 
associate judge of Ulster County. George Clinton when a young 
man had been appointed clerk of Ulster County by the old colonial 
Governor Clinton, and still continued to hold snch office. He was 
continued in the same office by the cf)nvention. 

On the 8th day of May, the convention, by resolution, directed 
the sheriffs of the several counties to give at least ten days' public 
notice of an election to be held in each connty, " f(n' Governoi- 
Lieutenant Governor and Senators, by tlie Freeholders thereof, 
qualified as is by the constitution prescribed, and for Members of 
Assembly by the People at large." 

The convention designated the places for holding the polls in 
the county of Ulster, as follows : At the Coiirt House in Kingston ; 
at the house of Ann I)u Bois, in New Paltz ; at the house of Sarah 
Hill, in Hanover Precinct, and at the house of Martin ^\'ygant, in 
the Precinct of New Burgh. 

On the 5th of May quite an excitement was raised in the con- 
vention upon a question of breach of privilege. The House was 
informed that one of its members, Colonel De Witt, was detained 
in custody of a guard of uulititi. The doorkeeper was sent to 



264 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

infoiin Mr. De Witt that his immediate attendance in the House 
was required. Colonel De Witt informed the House that he had 
that morning been taken in custody by a guard of militia, under 
command of Captain Gerardus Hardenbergh, as a delinquent who 
had not furnished a draft for the militia. Gerardus Hardenbergh 
was at once summoned, and upon appearing was asked by what 
authority he took Colonel De Witt, a member of the House, in 
custody. He produced a warrant directed to him and issued by 
Colonel Jonathan Elmendorf, and said he thought it his duty to 
obey all orders from his superior officers. Colonel Elmendorf was 
then summoned. He produced the list of delinquents in Colonel 
Snyder's regiment as the same was transmitted by Colonel Snyder 
to him, which included Charles De Witt's name. Captain Harden- 
bergh was called up and asked whether Colonel De Witt was in- 
cluded in the list of delinquents reported by him to Colonel Snyder. 
He answered in the negative, but said that Colonel De Witt's 
negro Pete was on the list. The House then requested General 
George Clinton to direct Colonel Johannis Snyder to attend the 
House without delay. Colonel Snyder not attending before the 
adjournment, it was ordered that the subject-matter be referred to 
the Committee of Safety to hear and determine thereon. 

Colonel Johannis Snyder attended before the Committee of Safety 
on the 23d day of May, 1777, in reference to the preceding breach of 
privilege, and after examining witnesses and hearing the explana- 
tions and statements of the different parties, it was by the commit- 
tee " Resolved, That the said Colonel Snyder, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Elmendorf, and Captain Gerardus Hardenbergh are guilty of a 
high breach of the ijrivileges of the convention of the State of New 
York— 

" Resolved That the conduct aforesaid, of the said Johannis 
Snyder, appears to this committee to have been unwarrantable, with 
respect to his general, affrontive with respect to the late convention 
of this State, and malicious with respect to the said Charles De 
Witt. 

" Resolved that the aforegoing state of facts, and resolutions, be 
laid before the council for the appointment of officers, at their first 
meeting." 

Many of the inhabitants of those portions of the State which 
had been occupied by the enemy had, on account of their Whig 
tendencies, and support of the cause of freedom, fled from their 
homes and left their all behind. The convention very properly 
took action in their behalf, and on the 8th of May, 1777, after re- 
citing that, " AVhereas a regard to the sacred cause in which we are 
engaged, as well as common justice and humanity, dictates the px-o- 
priety of adopting some mode of relief for such of the inhabitants of 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 265 

the State, as have, by the liand of tyranny and injustice, been driven 
from their habitations, and (h;prived of their substance, and there- 
by rendered unable to sui)i)ort themselves,'' by i-esolution a])|)ointed 
two commissioners for each of the counties of Westchester, Duchess, 
Ulster, and Orang-e, to take the genei'al superintendence and care 
of all sucli poor as aforesaid, in each of the respective counties for 
which they were appointed, with power, in said counties, to draw 
upon the State treasurer foi' a sum not exceeding; five hundred 
pounds for each county. The commissioners apjjointed for the 
county of Ulster were Cornelius C. Schoonmaker and Johannis 
Sleght. 

On the 15th of March the convention empowered the different 
committees within the counties of Ulster and noi'thern i)arts of 
Oran,si,-e, wlienever they should deem it necessary for the advance- 
ment of the public service, to issue a warrant to impress such 
horses and wagons as they might deem necessary. They at the same 
time authorized and emjiowei'ed the committee of Kingston to cause 
the two block-houses within the said town to be repaired and fitted 
for the accommodation of any sick soldiers of the United States who 
miglit jiass that way, and transmit the account thereof to the con- 
vention, or some future Legislature of the State, to make provision 
for the i^ayment thei'eof. 

Experience having exhibited the necessity of some troops being 
sul)ject to the orders of the Committee of Safety, it was ordered that 
a company be laised in the county of Ulster, to consist of one cap- 
tain, two lientenants, three sergeants, three corporals, one musi- 
cian, and fifty privates, to be pro]ierly accoutred, and be under 
Continental rules and I'egulations. They were to perform the mili- 
tary service required of them by the Committee of Safety, and the 
committee was desired to rec^ommend officers. 

On the 11th of May the convention received a letter from Gen- 
eral George Clinton, dated the 9th instant at Fort Montgomery, 
requesting leave of the convention to resign liis commission of 
brigadier-general of the militia of Ulster and Orange counties, for 
reasons assigned in the letter. On the 13th of May the convention 
declined to accept General Clinton's resignation, and directed the 
Committee of Safety to write to him assigning the reasons for their 
refusal, among othei-s that the high sense the convention entertained 
of his abilities to serve his country at this important hour forbade 
their complying with his request at present. 

On the 13f h of May, 1777, the State Convention dissolved after the 
adoption of a resolution directing the Committee of Safety to assem- 
ble at Kingston the next day. 

On the 24th of June, 1777, a party of Indian warriors, who had 
been on a visit to Wasliington* s headquartei's, made a brief stop at 



266 IIISTORT OF KINGSTON. 

Kingston on their way home, when they appeared before the 
Committee of Safety of the State of New York, and were addressed 
by the president, as follows : 

" Brothers, we are but a small part of the Great Council of the 
State of New York. The rest of our brethren have left us here to 
do the public biisiness. Our Great Council have gone home to 
attend their own business, and are to meet here on the first day of 
the next month. We are sure they Avould have been glad to meet 
their brethren the Senecas in the Grand Council. 

" We are sorry to hear that you are obliged to leave this place 
so soon. It would have given us great pleasure to smoke the pipe 
of friendship with you, and to have assured you further as we 
now do, of the detemiination of our Great Council to keep the road 
open between your nation and us, and to keep bright the chain of 
peace, as it has been between your and our forefathers. 

" We commend the wisdom of our brethren the Senecas in ap- 
pointing you to repair to our chief warrior and see the situation of 
our affairs. We hope you have found us strong for war, and that 
the enemy are so weak and so much in fear of us, that after coming 
out of their lines, they have been obliged to retreat precipitately to 
them without doing our army any mischief. You will now be able 
to contradict the false reports concerning the enemy' s strength and 
our weakness, which their wicked emissaries have artfully attempted 
to spread through the Indian nations. 

" Brothers we wish you a good journey. Assure our brothers 
the Senecas, and the rest of the Six Nations of our friendship, and 
accept this small acknowledgment of the regard we have for you." 

At the election held in the State of New York in the year 1777, 
for the choice of the first governor, lieutenant-governor, and sena- 
tors, under the constitution lately adoi^ted and promulgated, there 
were, besides a very few scatteiing votes, 3762 votes cast for gov- 
ernor, of which George Clinton received 1828 ; Philip Schuyler, 
1199 ; Jolm M. Scott, 368 ; John Jay, 367. 

There were 3491, besides a few scattering votes, for lieutenant- 
governor, of which George Clinton received 1647 ; Pierre Van Cort- 
landt, 1098 ; A. Ten Broeck, 746. 

The vote in Kingston stood : For governor, Clinton, 66 ; Scott, 
33 ; Schuyler, 10. For lieutenant-governor, Van Cortlandt, 63 ; 
Clinton, 27 ; Scott, 14. 

Thus it will be seen that Clinton was nearly the unanimous 
choice of the electors for either the one or the other of those offices. 
Nearly all tliose wlio preferred Schuyler, Scott, or Jay for governor 
selected Clinton as their choice for lieutenant-governor. That was 
an election truly without a parallel. 

On the 9th day of July the Committee of Safety, having examined 



HISTOUy OF KIT\"GSTON. 267 

the poll lists and ballots returned by the sheriffs of the respective 
counties of the several elections held in the said counties for gov- 
ernor and lieutenant-governor, and also for senators, did declare 
tliat George Clinton was duly elected governor of the State, and 
that he was also elected lieutenant-governor ; that in the middle 
district, of which Ulster County formed a part, Levi Pawling, 
Henry Wisner, Jesse W'ikkIIiuH, Zeplianiah Piatt, Jonathan 
Laiidon, and Arthur Parkes, were elected senators. 

The president, by direction of the committee, addressed a letter 
to Governor Clinton, of which the following is a copy : " Sir, T am 
directed, by the Council, to present you their congratulations, upon 
your being elected, by the free suffrage of the freeholders of tlie 
State, to the office of Governor and also of Lieutenant Governor ; 
at the same time, I am to desire, that you Avill make such arrange- 
ments of your affairs, as to come with all convenient speed to this 
place, to take the oath of the office which yoii shall think i)roper 
to accept, according to the ordinance of tlie late convention, and 
likewise to signify your resignation of one of them, to the end that 
a new election may be held." 

On the loth day of July, 1777, eighty prisoners ariived from 
Albany in two sloops to be confined on board the fleet i)rison at 
Kingston, and the warden requested an increase of the guard. The 
committee at once ordered that Major Van Zandt and Mr. Cantine, 
with the sheriff of Ulster, immediately proceed to the sti'and and give 
the necessary directions with respect to guard and disposition of 
the prisoners. 

On Tuesday, the IHth, the coiumit fee ordered Lieutenant-Colonel 
Elmeudorf, by draft out of his regiment of militia, to furnish a cap- 
tain and twenty men, and Lieutenant-Colonel Hoornbeek, out of his 
regiment of militia, a lieutenant and fifteen men, to guard the pris- 
oners in Kingston Jail and fleet [mIsou, by Thursday next, the 17th, 
at four o'clock. And that Captains Elmendorf and Bogardus, of 
Coloiiel Snyder's regiment, by four o'clock that afternoon, fui-nish 
a guard and twenty-four men to relieve the guards at the Court 
House and fleet prisons, to be continued until relieved by other 
guards from the militia. 

On the 10th of .luly Captain Schoonmaker was appointed to 
I'aise a company of men similar to the company he lately raised, 
and commanded to be under the orders of the Committee of Safety. 

On the l(5th of July the Committee of Safety ordered that the 
Legislature of the State meet at Kingston, on the 1st day of 
August. 

On the 17th of July, 1777, owing to the hostile attitude exhib- 
ited by the Indians, it was ordered tliat two companies of Rangers 
be raised, to serve in the counties of Tryou, Ulster, and Albany, for 



268 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the protection of the frontier inhabitants. The officers were desig- 
nated as follows : Of the first company, John Harper, Captain ; 
Alexander Harper, First Lieutenant. Of the second company, 
James Clyde, Captain ; John Campbell, First Lieutenant. 

On the 11th day of July General Clinton sent a communication 
to the Committee of Safety accepting the office of governor and re- 
signing that of lieutenant-governor ; also stating that as soon as con- 
sistent with his duty, and the safety of the State at his post (Fort 
Montgomery) would admit, he would repair to Kingston and take 
the oath of office. 

On the 3()th day of July, 1777, Governor Clinton appeared in 
the Committee of Safety and took both the oath of allegiance and 
the oath of office. The oaths were administered by the j)resident 
in committee. 

The committee then at once issued a proclamation for declaring 
and proclaiming the governor of the State, as follows : 

" Whereas his Excellency George Clinton has been elected Gov- 
ernor of this State of New York, and hath this day qualified him- 
self for the execution of his office, by taking in this Council the 
oaths I'equired by the Constitution of this State, to enable him to 
exercise his said office ; This Council doth, therefore hereby, in 
the name and by the authority of the good People of this State, 
proclaim and declare the said George Clinton Esq Governor Gen- 
ei'al and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the 
Navy of this State, to whom the good People of this Sta,te are to 
pay all due obedience according to the laws and Constitution 
thereof — 

' ' By order of the Council of Safety 

" Pierre Van Cortlandt President. 

" God save the People 

' ' Ordered that John Holt immediately print 500 copies and that 
the proclamation be made and published, by the Sheriff of Ulster 
County, at or near the Court house in Kingston at six O' clock this 
afternoon. 

" Resolved and Ordered That Captain Evert Bogardus and Cap- 
tain John Elmendorf do cause the companies of Militia, under 
their respective commands, to appear at the Court house in Kings- 
ton at six O'clock this afternoon pi'operly armed and accoutered, 
at which time and place his Excellency George Clinton will be pro- 
claimed Governor of this State." 

At the time and place aforesaid, accompanied with all proper 
solemnity, the firing of ?i feu dejole by the military, and the ring- 
ing of bells, the proclamation was read announcing the assumption 
of power by the first governor of the State of New York. 

There was not, probably, a more zealous and earnest advocate 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 269 

for the rislits of tlie peojjle ami the freedom of America tliaii the 
Rev. George J. L. Doll, the pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church 
in Kingston at that time. He did much to sustain and encourage 
the patriotic sentiment and ardor so strongly exhibited by the citi- 
zens of Kingston during the protracted struggle for ind(q)endence. 
The wives and mothers in his Hock received from liim religious 
consolation and encouragement during the absence of tlieir h)ved 
ones in defence of their country, and he taught them not to stay 
the hand which was ready to strike for liberty. 

The following letter sent by him, in behalf of the Consistory, to 
Governor Clinton, upon tlie occasion of his inaugur.ition, breathes 
tile true spirit of patriotism : 

" To His Excellency, George Clinton Esq Governor General and 
Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of tlie Xavy 
of the State of New York ; 

" May it ploase your Excellency 

" At the commencement of the new Constitution, and at the 
very hour of your Inauguration, the Minister Elders and Deacons 
of the Reformed Dutch Church of Kingston, in Consistoiy as- 
sembled, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon Ilif high- 
est honours the subjects of a free State can possess, and to assure 
you of the ])art they bear in the pul)lic happiness of this occasion. 

" From the beginning of the present war, the Consistory and 
Peo])le of Kingston have been uniformly attached to the cause of 
America, and justify, upon the soundest principles of religion and 
morality, the glorious revolution of a free and oppressed country. 
Convinced of the unrigliteous design of Great Britain, ui)on their 
civil and religious privileges, they chose without hesitation, rather 
to suffer with a brave people for a season, than to enjoy the luxuries 
and friendship of a wicked and cruel nation. 

'* ^\'itll an inexiu'essible perseverance, which they trust the 
greatest adversity and persecution will never change, they jirofess 
anew, to your Excellency, their interest in the Continental Union 
and loyalty to the State of New York. 

" While the Constitution is preserved inviolate, and the rulers 
steer by that conspicuous beacon, the people have the fairest pros- 
pect of happiness, unanimity and success. With you, they choose 
to launch, 1 hat future jiilots may form a precedent from your vigi- 
lance, imi)artiality, and tinnness, and the system obtain an estab- 
lishment, that shall last for ages. For as nothing can be more 
agreeable to the conscious Pati-iot, than the approbation of his 
country, so nothing can more lu'omote the general good, than plac- 
ing contidence in established characters, and raising merit to dis- 
tinguished power. 

" Take, then, with the acclamations and fuUest confidence of 



270 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 

the public — take, sir, the government in your own hands, and let 
the iinsolicited voice, of a whole State, prevail upon you to enter 
upon the arduous task. 

"All ranks in placing you at their head, have pledged their 
lives and fortunes to support and defend you in this exalted 
station, and the Consistory of Kingston cheerfully unite in the 
implicit stipulation, and promise you their prayers. 

"As a reformation in morals, and the prevalence of virtue is 
the immediate object of the Consistory of Kingston, they esteem 
themselves esj^ecially happy, in having cause to believe that re- 
ligious liberty (withoixt which all other privileges are not worth 
enjoying) will be strenuously supported by your Excellency, and 
they congratulnte themselves and the State, that God has given 
them a Governor, who understands, and therefore loves the Chris- 
tian religion, and who, in his Administration, will prove a terror 
to evil doers, and an example and jiatron to them that do well 
" Signed by order of the Committee 

"George J L Doll Frees is 

"August 2, 1777." 

The first court held under the first Constitution of the State of 
New York was opened by Chief- Justice Jay, in the Court House in 
the village of Kingston, on the 9th day of September, 1777. The 
Grand Jury was composed of twenty-two of the most respectable 
men in the coianty of Ulster. 

After they had been sworn Chief-Justice Jay delivered the 
following charge : 

" Gentlemen It affords me very sensible pleasure to congrat- 
ulate you on the dawn of that free mild and equal Government, 
which now begins to rise and break from amidst those clouds of 
anarchy, confusion and licentiousness, which the arbitrary and 
violent domination of the King of Great Britain had spread, in 
greater or less degree, throughout this and the other American 
States. And it gives me particular satisfaction to remark, that the 
first fruits of our excellent constitution appear in a part of this 
State, whose inhabitants have distinguished themselves, by having 
unanimously endeavored to deserve them. 

" This is one of those signal instances, in which Divine Provi- 
dence has made the Tyranny of Pnnces instrumental in breaking 
the chains of their subjects ; and rendered the most inhuman de- 
signs, productive of the best consequences, to those against whom 
they were intended. 

' ' The infatuated Sovereign of Britain forgetful that Kings were 
the servants, not the proprietors, and ought to be the fathers, not 
the incendiaries of their people, hath, by destroying our fonner 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 271 

constitiiHons, pnaliled us to erect morn eliiiihle systems of n-oveni- 
iiient on their ruins ; and by un\varrant:il)le attempts to hind lis in 
all cases whatever, has reduced lis to the happy necessity of being 
free from his control in any. 

" Whoever compares our present with our Tormer Constitution, 
will find abundant reason to rejoice in the exchange, and readily 
admit, that all the calamities, incident to this war, will be ajujjly 
compensated by the many blessings Howing from this glorious 
revolution. A revolution which, in the whole course of its rise 
and progress, is distinguished by so many marks of the Divine 
favor and interposition, tliat no doubt can remain of its being 
linally accomplished. 

" It was begun and has been sui^ported, in a manner so singu- 
lar, and 1 may say, miraculous, that when future ages shall read 
its history, they will be tempted to consider great ])art of it as 
fabulous. What, among other things, can appear more unworthy 
of credit, than in an enlightened age, in a civilized and Christian 
country, in a nation so celebrated for humanity, as well as love of 
liberty and justice, as the Enr/lish once justly were, a prince 
should arise, who, by the influence of corruption alone, sliouUl be 
able to seduce them into a combination, to reduce three millions of 
his most loyal and affectionate subjects, to absolute slavery under 
pretence of a right, appertaining to God alone, of binding them in 
all cases whate\er, not even excepting cases of conscience and 
i-eligion ? Wliat can appear more improbable, although true, than 
that this prince, and this people, should obstinately steel their 
hearts, and shut their ears, against the most humble petitions and 
afi'ectionate remonstrances, and unjustly determine by violence and 
force, to execute designs, which were reprobated by every principle 
of humanity, equity, gratitTule and policy — designs which would 
have been execrable, if intended against savages and enemies, and 
yet formed against men descended from the same common ancestors 
with themselves ; men who had liberally contributed to their sup- 
l)ort, and cheerfully fought their battles, even in remote and bale- 
ful climates ? Will it not appear extraordinary, that thirteen 
Colonies, the object of their wicked designs, divided by variety of 
governments and manners, should immediately become one people, 
and though without funds, without magazines, without disciplined 
troops, in the face of their enemies, unanimously determine to be 
free ; and undaunted by the i)ower of Britain, refer their cause to 
the justice of the Almighty, and resolve to repel force by force I 
Thereby presenting to the world an illustrious example of magnan- 
imity and virtue scarcely to be paralleled i Will it not be nuitter 
of doubt and wonder, that notwithstanding these difficulties, they 
should raise amiies, establish funds, carry on commerce, grow rich 



272 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

by the si^oils of their enemies, and bid defiance to the armies of 
Britain, the mercenaries of Gennany and the savages of the wilder- 
ness '. — But however incredible these things may in futnre appear, 
we know them to be true, and we should always remember, tliat 
the many remarkable and unexpected means and events, by wliich 
our wants have been supplied, and our enemies repelled or re- 
strained, are such strong and striking proofs of the interposition 
of Heaven, that our having been hitherto delivered from the thi'eat- 
ened bondage of Britain, ought, like the emancipation of the Jews 
from Egyptian servitude, to be forever ascribed to its true cause, 
and instead of swelling our breasts with arrogant ideas of our 
l)ro\vess and importance, kindle in them a flame of gratitude and 
piety, which may consume all remains of vice and irreligion. 

" Blessed be God ! the time will never arrive when the prince 
of a country in another quarter of the globe, will command your 
obedience and hold you in vassalage. His consent has ceased to 
l)e necessary to enable you to enact laws essential to your welfare, 
nor will you, in future, be subject to the imperious sway of rulers, 
instructed to sacrifice your happiness whenever it might be incon- 
sistent with the ambitious views of their royal master 

" The Americans are the first People whom Heaven has favored 
with an ojiportunity of delilierating upon and choosing the forms 
of government under which they should live ; all other constitu- 
tions have derived their existence from violence or accidental cir- 
cumstances, and are therefore probably more distant from their 
perfection, which, though beyond our reach, may nevertheless be 
approached under the guidance of reason and experience. 

' ' How far the People of this State have improved this oppor- 
tunity we are at no loss to determine. Their Constitution has 
given general satisfaction at home, and been not only approved, 
but applauded abroad. It would be a jjleasing task to take a 
minute view of it, to investigate its principles, and remark the 
connection and use of its several parts— but that would be a work 
of too great length to be proper on this occasion. I must therefore 
confine myself to general observations ; and among those which 
natuially arise from a consideration of this subject, none are more 
obvious, than that the highest respect has been paid to those great 
and equal rights of human natiire, which should ever remain invio- 
late in every society— and that such care has been taken in the dis- 
position of the legislative, executive and judicial powers of govern- 
ment, as to promise permanence to the Constitution, and give 
energy and impartiality to the distribution of justice. So that 
while you possess wisdom to discern and virtue to appoint men of 
wortli and abilities to fill the offices of the State, you will be happy 
at home and respected abroad. — Your life, your liberties, your 



mSTOUY OF KINGSTOX. 273 

property, will be at the disposal only of your Creator and yonr- 
si'lvcs. You will know no ])ower hut such as you will cn-at" : no 
authority unless derived from your fi;rant, no laws, hut sudi as 
acquire all their oViliyation frf)ni your consent. 

" Adequate security is also given to tlie rights of conscience 
and private judgment. They are, by. nature, subject to no control 
but that of tlie Deity, and in that free situaticm they aiv now left. 
Every man is permittetl to consiiler, to adoi'e and to worslii]) his 
Creator in the manner most agreeable to his conscience. No opin- 
ions are dictated ; no rules of faith prescribed ; no preference given 
to one sect to the prejudice of others. — The Constitution, however, 
has wisely declared, that the ' liberty of conscience thereby granted, 
shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or 
justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this State.' 
In a word the convention, by whom that Constitution was formed, 
were of opinion, that the gospel of Christ like the ai-k of God, 
would not fall, though unsujiported by the arm of flesh, and 
liappy would it be for mankind, if that opinion prevailed more 
generally. 

" But let it be remembered, that whatever marks of wisdom, 
experience and patriotism there may be in your Constitution, yet, 
like the beautiful symmetry, the just proportions, and elegant 
foi'ms of our first parents, before tlieir maker breathed into them 
•^he breath of life, it is yet to be aninuited, and till then may indeed, 
6tj£cite admiration, but will be of no use. From the People it must 
receive its spirit, and by them be (piickened. Let virtue, honoi", 
the love of liberty and of science be, and remain, the soul of this 
Constitution, and it will become the source of gi'eat and extensive 
happiness to this and future generations. Vice .ignorance and 
want of vigilance will be the only enemies able to destroy it 
Against these provide, and, of these, be forever jealotis. Every 
mem!)er of the State, ought diligently to read and study the Con- 
stitution of his country, and teach the rising generation to be free. 
By knowing their I'ights, they will sooner perceive when they are 
violated and be better prepared to defend and assert them. 

" This, gentlemen, is the first court held under the authority 
of our Constitution, and I hope its pi'oceedings will be such, as to 
merit the approbation of the friends, and avoid giving cause of 
censure to the enenues of the present establishment. 

" It is xu'oper to observe, that no person in this State, however 
exalted or low his rank, however dignified or humble his station, 
but has a right to the protection of, and is amenable to the laws of 
the land, and that if those laws be wisely nuide and duly executed, 
innocence will be defended, oppression punished, and vice re- 
strained. Hence it becomes the common duty, and indeed the 
18 



274 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



common interest, of every subject of the State, and particularly of 
those concerned in the distribution of Justice, to unite in repressing 
the licentious, in supporting the laws, and thereby diffusing the 
blessings of peace, security, order and good government through 
all degrees and ranks of men among us. 

" I presume it will be unnecessary to remind you that neither 
fear, favor, resentment, or other personal and partial considerations 
should influence your conduct. Calm deliberate reason, candor, 
moderation, a dispassionate, and yet a determined resolution to do 
your duty, will, I am persuaded, be the principles by which you 
will be directed. 




TAPPKN HOUSE, hXEUUTlVE CHAMBER. 

" You will be pleased to observe, that all offences committed in 
this county against the peace of the People of this State, from 
treason to trespass, are proper objects of your attention and 
enquiry. 

' ' You will give particular attention to the practice of counterfeit- 
ing the bills of credit, emitted by the general CONGRESS or other 
of the Amkiucan States, and of knowingly passing such counter- 
feits. Practices no less criminal in themselves, than injurious to 
the interests of that great cause, on the success of which the happi- 
ness of AMERICA so essentially depends." 

On the 1st of August, the time fixed for the meeting of the Leg- 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTOX. 



275 



islature at Kingston, the condition of tlie country was such that 
the governor deemed it advisable to prorogue it until the 2()tli, and 
again until the 1st of September. 

Governor Clinton when in Kingston made the house, in North 
Front Sti-eet, of his brother-in-law, Christopher Tappen, his h(\ad- 
(juarters, and there performed his ordinary executive duties. 
When, however, he met the Legislature in j()int convention it was 
at the Court House. 

Colonel Levi Pawling, of Ulster County, was one of the senators 
elected from the middle district, and was the only representative 
of Ulster County in the Senate. 

The Senate met and organized at the house of Abi-aham Van 




SENATE HOUSE. 



Gaasbeek. This house was located on the west side of East Front 
Street, now Clinton Avenue, near the corner of North Front Street. 
It was a long, low, one-story stone 1)uilding with a steep roof. The 
main hall was near the north end, with a room on each side. At 
the south end was a room with a direct opening or doorway into 
the street. There is notliing in the legislative minutes showing in 
what room the Senate met, but from the fact that the soutli room 
was the largest, and also had a direct communication with the 
street, it is presumed that that was the actual Senate Chamber in 
which the first Senate of the State of New York met and was 
organized. 

John Cantine, Johannis G. Hardenbergh, Matthew Rea, Corne- 
lius C. Schoonmaker, Colonel Johannis Snyder, and Henry Wisner, 
Jr., were the representatives from Ulster County in the Assembly. 



S73 



HISTOllY OV KINGSTON. 




HOUSE WHERE FIRST ASSEMBLY MET. 



The Assembly met and organized at the public house of Evert 
Bogardus, sitnate at the northwest corner of Maiden Lane and Fair 
Street. They were unable to meet at the Court House as the 
Supreme Court was then in session there. 

By reason of the want of a quorum in the Senate the Legislature 
did not become fully organized until the 10th of September. 

With the organization of the Legislature tlie State government 
became operative and complete in all its three depaitments — the 
executive, the legislative, and the judicial — within the bounds of 
the then village of Kingston, and the wheels of government were 
there put in full perpetual motion. 

The legislative session was brief, and was cut short by the 
invader's approach. The burning of the village in October put an 
end to any hope that might have been entertained of making Kings- 
ton the permanent seat of the State government. The Legislature 
after that jiartook for ;i time of a migratory character. When not 
specially convened by call tliey met at such place as had been fixed 
by resolution of adjournment at the last previous meeting. When 
no place was fixed, then at the place of tlieir last meeting. 

By special resolutions from time to time prior to their final 
location at Albany upon the completion of the Capitol, they met 
at Kingston in August, 1779, in April, 1780, and in March, 1783. 



CHAPTER XVIL 

CAMPAIGN OF 1777, INCLUDING 15UKNING OF KINGSTON. 

IN the last cliapter was chi'oniclpd tho (■()iii])lete inaiin'iiration of 
the State <i;overnment ami the starting' of its wlieels in full (>\mr- 
ation, but still surrounded with perils and dangers on every 
side, tlireatened by enemies from without, retpiirinj;- its entire 
strength for defence, at the same time that the homes of its loyal 
citizens and the lives of their families were threatened by bitter and 
deadly foes from within. It becomes necessary to go back again 
in our detail to the fall and winter of 1770-77 to note the movements 
of trooi^s and preparations for continuing the deadly conflict. 

On the part of the British, (Teneral Howe, the commander-in- 
chief, chagrined at the failure of the campaign designed to crush 
New York in 1770, and iinding that General Burgoyne, command- 
ing the Northern army, had retired to winter quarters witliout 
accomidishing anything, figured oiit extensive and crushing oper- 
ations foi- the year 1777, designed, as he wrote in his official com- 
munication to Lord George Germainc, under date of November 3()th, 
1770, " if possible to finish the wai' in one year by an extensive 
and vigorous exertion of his Majesty's arms." He should have 
added, wifJi those of Russia and Germany. 

His plan is thus set forth in his letter : 

" 1st. An offensive army of io,(iUO rank and file to act on the 
side of Rhode Island, by taking possession of Providence, pene- 
trating from thence into the country towards Boston, and if pos- 
sible to reduce that town ; two thousand men to be left f(n' the 
defence of Rhode Island, and for making small incursions, under 
the protection of the shipping, upon the coast of Connecticut. 
This army to be commanded by Lieut Gen Clinton. 

" 2. An offensive army, in the province of New York, to move 
up the North river to Albany, to consist of not less than 1U,00() 
men, and 5,000 for the defence of New York and adjacent jjosts. 

" By the last information from the northward, I learn the army 
from Canada was obliged, by the severity of the weather, to repass 
the lake, from Crown Point on the M\\ instant, from which event, 
and a consideration of the difficulties that anny must meet with 
before it reaches Albany, in the course of the next camj^aign, it is 



278 HISTOEY OF KINGSTON. 

reasonable to conclude this wiU riot be effected earlier than Sep- 
tember. 

' ' 3rd. A defensive army of 8000 men to cover Jersey, and to 
keep the Southern army in check, by giving a jealousy to Phila- 
delphia, whicli I would propose to attack in Autumn, as well as 
Virginia, provided the success of other operations will admit of an 
adequate force to be sent against that province 

" South Carolina and Georgia must be the objects for winter. 
But to complete this plan, not less than ten ships of the line wiU 
be absolutely requisite, and a reinforcement of troops to the 
amount of 15,000 rank and file, wJiich I should hope may he had 
from Russia, or from Hanomr and other German States, particu- 
larly some Hanoverian chasseurs, who I am well informed are 
exceeding good troops. 

" By this calculation the amiy, in the Southern district, would 
consist of 35,000 effective men, to o^jpose 50,000 that tlie American 
Congress has voted for the service of next campaign. . . . Were 
the force I have mentioned sent out, it would strike such terror 
througli the country, that little resistance would be made to the 
progress of his majesty's arms in the provinces of New England, 
New York, the Jerseys and Pennsylvania after the junction of the 
Northern and Southern armies." 

Such was the plan set forth by General Howe for the consider- 
ation of the ministry. In addition to this magnificent programme 
from below, prei^arations were being made for a crushing blow 
against New York from Canada at the North. General Carleton 
was superseded by General Burgoyne in the supreme command of 
the Northern army, and he made his preparations upon a grand 
and magnificent scale. His programme was to enter the State with 
his army in two divisions. The left wing, comprising the main 
branch, to be commanded by himself in person, was to enter 
through Lake Champlain. The right wing was to be under the com- 
mand of Colonel St. Leger, and was to enter the State by crossing 
Lake Ontario near its entrance into the St. Lawrence, and there 
to form a junction witli their Indian and Tory allies. 

As it was not expected that General Burgoyne could reach the 
upper Hudson until September, General Howe left a i:)art of his 
forces in New York and some in Khode Island under the command 
of Sir Henry Clinton, and then took the main body with him by 
sea to operate elsewhere. 

Such delay on the part of the British to attempt the passage up 
the river with their fleet enabled the Americans to perfect their 
plans for the obsti'uction of the river in the narrow passes of the 
Highlands. Tliey having no naval force worthy of the name, tlie 
only way to check the passage of the British fleet up the river was 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 279 

by obstructions in the channel, witli forts located to command the 
passage. To accomplish this object the Americans stretched a 
chain aci'oss tlie river at West Point and erected Forts Mont- 
gomery, Clinton, and Constitution in the vicinity. 

As loiiii" as those forts wci-e in the- ])()ssession of tlie Americans, 
and well iiiaiiued, and the cliain of suflicient strength to resist the 
force of vessels under full headway, the obstruction was com- 
plete, for the enemy could use no other means to remove the chain 
under the tire of the forts. There was also a checaux-de-frine at 
Polopin Island, but without forts for protection. 

It was vitally important, therefore, that the forts shonld be 
sufficiently manned at all times. But many circumstances com- 
bined to render that almost impossible. New York was hemmed 
in on the north by the invading forces from Canada, which gave 
emplo\niient for all, and more than all, the strengtli of Noithern 
New York. On the south was the British army, with a naval force 
ready to transport it in any directicra, or to any unexpected quarter, 
which gave employment to all the forces which could be gathered 
below the Highlands from all directions. So that Ulster, Orange, 
Duchess, and a part of Westchester, were substantially all that were 
left to fui'nish troops. Add to this tliat sufficient men had to be 
left in the l)order counties of Ulster and Orange to protect their 
outer settlements from Indian raids and incursions and to keep the 
Tories in check, and fui'ther consider the great hesitancy evinced 
on the part of adjoining States to aid New York with needed re- 
enforcements, and it can create no surprise that those forts were 
seldom, if ever, sufficiently garrisoned. 

The following conx'spondence is of interest to show the great 
insufficiency of the forces under General George Clinton to defend 
tlie forts and protect the river : 

" Head Quarters 
" MoRRiSTOWN 19th Feby 1777 

" Sir Information being lodged, that many of the inhabitants, 
living near the Pass;ii"k Falls, are busily employed in removing 
tlieir provisions and forage within the enemy's reach, with a de- 
sign of sujiplying them, obliges me to beg the favor of you to let 
me know what success you have experienced in collecting the 
troops voted, by the C<mvention of the State of New York. The 
presence of some men in that neighborhood would be attended 
with much good : add to this the well grounded probability, that 
the enemy, being lately reinforced, will make some movement 
soon, and yon will I am satisfied use your utmost exertions to 
bring a reinforcement to our assistance. At present I cannot check 
the al)Ove mentioned practice, least the detachment, sent that way, 
may be more wanted for other jjurposes than this. I therefore 



280 HISTOKY OF KINGSTOIf. 

hope that some of your troops will take that duty off my hands, 
and that you will further enable me effectually to oppose any 
designs of the enemy. 

" I am Sir Your Most obedt Servt 

" Geo Washington 
" Oen Geo Clinton New Windsor — " 

It may be noted here that the above urgent call was rendered 
necessary by some Americans having more regard for the dollar 
than for their coiintry. 

" New Windsor 23 Feby 1777 
"Dear Sir 

' ' On my arrival home last night, I received a letter from his 
Excellency General Wasliington, of which the enclosed is a copy. 
By this you will tind that more is expected of me than is in my 
power. Even tho' the 500 men ordered to be raised in Duchess 
and Westchester were completed, unless they were to join me on 
this side the river, I should be able to afford but a very inconsider- 
able reinforcement to the main army (if any at all) after posting 
sufficient detachments at the pass, for effecting the business more 
particularly recommended in his Excellency' s letter. Col Pawling' s 
regiment consists now of only 361 including oHicers, and they 
occupy three different posts, to wit Sydman's bridge, Cloyster and 
Hackensack, all equally, if not more necessary, than that men- 
tioned by the General, and I don't immagine he means they should 
be abandoned. I fear that sending a detachment out of this small 
force, (already much divided) to Pasaic falls will be endangering the 
other posts ; at any rate it will render the duty on the men exceed- 
ingly hard. I will however order a Lieutenant' s party there, for 
the present, in hopes that some way may be devised to supply this 
place. Useless as the rangers have been, would it not be best to an- 
nex Belknap' s and De Witt' s companies to Col Pawling' s regiment 
on this occasion. I have issued orders to the Militia Colonels, to 
comi)lete their complement of men, which they were to have raised, 
some of whom have been much more deficient in this resjiect than 
I could have thought. 

" This, and the member that have enlisted, out of Col Pawling's 
regiment, in the standing anny, and some desertions, of Tory 
drafts, to the enemy, are the reasons why it falls so much short of 
its complement. 

* * * * * » * * * * -X- * 

" I am with due respect your most Obedt Servt 

" Geo Clinton 
" To the Hon Tlie Prest of the Convention of the State of N. T." 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTON. 281 

On the 20th (l;iy of Febnuii y, 1777, the CouiK-il of Safety ap- 
pointed Messrs!. Taylor and t'uyUM- a eoniinittee to confer with 
Generals George and James Clinton and General McDongall, and 
inform themselves in regai'd to thn forces requisite for defending 
the forts and passes in the Highlands, and afterward wait upon 
the commander-in-cliief, General Washington, " with the intelli- 
gence they liad ac(iuired." 

On the 12th of March, 1777, they made their report to the con- 
vention, which was then in session. 

By the rejjort it appeared that the obstruction to the navigaticm 
was in a state of great forwardness ; that it would recpiire one 
thousand men at least to defend Fort Montgomery ; that Fort Con- 
stitution, from its disadvantageous situation, might be easily taken 
if besieged with artilleiy. 

On the 18th of March the convention adopted and forwarded 
letters to Congress, with others from General Washington and 
General ^rcBougall, ui'ging the strengthening, anning, and man- 
ning the fortresses in the Highlands, and the appointment of Gen- 
eral George Clinton to their command. 

On the 2.")th day of ]\Iarch, 1777, resolutions were passed by the 
State Convention authoiizing Genei-al (ieorge Clinton to call out 
the whole or any i)art of the militia of the counties of Ulster, 
Duchess, Orange, and Westchester, whenever he should deem the 
same necessary, either on the requisition of His Excellency General 
Washington, or at his own discretion, and station them in such 
manner as nnght be most proper for securing the forts and passes 
in the Highlands, and frustrating the attempts of the enemy to 
make incursions into this State. The resolutions also directed that 
whatever sums (leneral George Clinton should certify to be due to 
any body of the militia so called into service, .should "be forth- 
with paid out of the Treasury of the State." 

He was further authorized to impress carriages, horses, teams, 
boats, and vessels, and take care tliat the wages or hii-e for tlie 
same be punctually paid ; and whenever satisfaction could not 
otherwise be speedily obtained, he was authorized to draw on the 
convention. 

This extraordinary power vested by t lie convention in a single 
man exhiljits in a high degree the confidence placed by the sages 
of that body in the judgment, honor, and integi'ity of General 
Clinton, and it is a pleasure to know that their contidence was 
neither misplaced nor abused. 

On the same day, the 2.")th day of Man-h. the Continental Con- 
gress passed a resolution that a commantlant of the forts in the 
Highlands be appointed with the rank of brigadier-general, and 



282 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

immediately appointed General George Clinton to such command, 
and i)i'omoted him to the rank of brigadier-general. 

His commission was immediately forwarded to the New York 
Convention, and received on the 1st day of April. His former 
commission was under State authority ; this was from the general 
government. 

General Clinton issued orders on the 31st day of March, 1777, 
requiring that one third part of the militia of the counties of Ulster 
and Orange be forthwith called into actual service, and that for 
that purpose " the Colonels of the respective regiments by ballot, 
or any other equitable manner, immediately detach the third part 
of their Regiment under proj^er officers of each company, to con- 
sist of sixty two privates, as near as may be. That the men, thus 
raised, be divided into three regiments commanded by 
Col Pawling, Lt Col McClaughry Major Logan 

" Snyder . " Hardenbei-gh Jr " Hooghteling 

" Heathorn " Cuyper " Muffelt 

That the Companies of Horse turn out their Quota, and that the 
exempts be included in the third part of the militia to be raised." 

On the 27th of April, 1777, a further order dated at Fort Mont- 
gomery was issued, as follows : " It is essential to the safety of 
this post, that Colonel Pawling' s and Col Snyder's regiments be 
immediately comj^leted to their f uU comj)lement of men ; which 
being the case will supersede the necessity of calling out any 
further part of the Militia in this busy season of the year. It is 
therefore ordered in the most express and positive terms, that the 
Colonels or Commanding officers of the Militia Regiments do forth- 
with furnish their respective quotas of Men, as fixed by the order 
for raising and marching the above two regiments to this post, and 
that they also return Muster rolls of their said Regiments to the 
Genei'al. 

* * * -X- * * * * -* * * * 

" As many of the men belonging to said Regiments, now at this 
post, being principally jiersons hired by others who were drafted, 
are witliout anus and otherwise unprovided ; it is ordered that the 
persons who were so drafted do immediately provide and deliver 
arms and accoutrements to those whom they have so hired, or in 
failure thereof they be immediately brought to this Post to pei'- 
form their own duty 

" Albert Pawling Major of Brigade^'' 

Such were some of the movements and orders made to put the 
country in as good a situation for defence as possible. But it was 
also necessary that some means of communication should be estab- 
lished between the Northern and the Southern armies in the State. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 283 

The country bein;^ new, and sparsely settled, comnniiiication 
between distant jioints was slow, and none regularly established. 
Some special arrangement to that end was therefore necessary. 
With tliis object in view, on the oth day of August, 1777, Captain 
Salisbury, of the Kingston Light Horse, was ordered to funiish a 
detachment consisting of a non-commissioned officer and six 
privates to be stationed at Kingston and at other points between 
that and the Northci-n army to serve as ex]iresses ; and an equal 
numbei- at New Burgh of Caiitaiu WoodhuU's company, between 
that and Fort Montgomery, and thence to headquarters. 

Tti preparation for an attack from below' ra))tains Pawling' s, 
Snyder's, Uraluim's, Freer" s, Humplirey's, and Sutherland's regi- 
ments were ordered to hold themselves in perfect readiness to 
march on a moment's ■warning, and if the enemy should ap})roach 
the western frontier. Colonel Pawling was directed to send detach- 
ments from his and Colonel Snyder' s regiment to protect the inhab- 
itants, besides the frontier companies of Allison's and McClaughry's 
regiments, which were left at home for the same i)uri)Ose. 

On the near ai^proach of fall it became necessary to prepare for 
the worst, for the enemy, if they designed striking a severe blow 
at all, must do it soon. The Council of Safety, therefore, turned 
their attention to the National Congress, and on the 7tli of August, 
1777, addressed a letter to the delegates of this State in that body 
in refei-ence to their unsatisfactory condition, stating, among other 
things, that, " as tlie defence of this State is intimately connected 
with the safety of America, the convention have not only exerted 
their utmost strength, but cheerfully agreed to sacrifice local 
attachments, and a great share of their property, to the attainment 
of these desirable ends. . . . That by far the greater part of the 
levies oi'dered, by the Congress, to be raised from our Militia, are 
completed and at their several stations. . . . The whole number 
of drafts from the Militia of this State, exclusive of the Conti- 
nental Battalions raised therein, will amount to about nine thou- 
sand men. The stations, the last levies will occupy, being on our 
frontiers, in the Highlands and on Long Island, prevent their 
adding to the strength of the army at New York, much as it needs 
their assistance. 

" It gives us great pain to infomi you, that the aid received 
from our sister States is very inadequate to our expectation, none 
of them having yet completed the levies directed by Congress ; 
which leaves us reason to fear, that instead of using every means 
that liuman wisdom dictates for insuring success, we shall (with 
inferior numbers) on the doubtful issue of a single battle, hazard 
the glorious cause for which we have hitherto struggled." 

Among other matters the letter suggested that the forces em- 



284 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

ployed on the frontiers were of general utility, and the immediate 
demand for them required the payment of considerable l)ounties, 
and therefore they should be taken into the pay of the general 
government. " But," the letter proceeded to state, " should the 
Congress think otherwise, we propose to retain them at our own 
expense, since we are determined to neglect no measures, (however 
burdensome) if within our reach, which we conceive necessary for 
the safety of America." 

The object has been to give a sufficient part of this letter to 
show to what extent New York was in fact left to rest upon her 
own resources, and the patriotic spirit which animated her repre- 
sentatives. 

On Tuesday, the 12th of August, 1777. the Council of Safety 
received information of a reported design on the part of some 
Indians and Tories to make a descent upon Kingston on the follow- 
ing Friday night, to burn and destroy it. They placed but little 
confidence in the rejjort, but advised Colonel Pawling thereof, and 
requested him to take such precautionary measures as would 
render the scheme abortive. 

The time passed without any appearance on the part of the 
Indians. 

Their attention was then called in another direction for the 
relief of loyal citizens in an adjoining county. Information was 
received that one Ca^itain Man had organized a band composed of 
Tories and Indians in Schoharie to ojierate against the loyal citi- 
zens, and that Colonel Vrooman and a party of Whigs were besieged 
there by a band of Tories. Colonel PaAvling was on the 12th of 
August ordered out with a detachment of two hundred men from 
his regiment, to proceed to Schoharie for the destruction of Man 
and his pai'ty, and the relief of the Whigs and loyal citizens. 

General Burgoyne in the latter part of June had his (the left) 
wing of the invading army gathered at Crown Point, composed of 
nearly eight thousand men, and on the 2d of July he succeeded in 
capturing Fort Ticonderoga. Thus far he drove everything before 
him, and apparently had a kind of tiiumphal march through the 
country. But General Schuyler not having an army snfllicient to 
oppose his progress, resorted to tactics of obstructing the roads and 
tearing down bridges to such an extent that General Burgoyne 
occupied twenty-four days in marching twenty-six miles, thus 
giving time foi' the Americans to gather I'e-enforcements. 

Ulster County was then called upon to send troops to the north 
to strengthen the Northein army in that great emergency. 

But General Clinton, on the 13th of August, wrote to the Coun- 
cil of Safety that, though he most anxiously wished it was in his 
power to re-enforce the Northern army, and give succor to the 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 285 

brave and imicli-disti't'sscd iiiluilntants of Tryon County, yet he 
could not be induced to think it would be i)nulent to draw the 
militia from so far dovra as this to the northward until the design 
of the enemy's Southern army could be more fully ascertained. 

General Schuyler by letter of the same date to the I'resident of 
the Council of Safety, set forth the plight in which he was then 
placed. He stated that he had on the previous night received a 
letter dated the i)t\i from Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, from 
which he was given to understand that he must not expect any aid 
from that State. Tlie general further stated that by letters re- 
ceived (m the 11th, he had been advised as to Massachusetts that 
orders had been issued for the march of one sixth part of six regi- 
ments in the county of Worcester, and one in the county of Middle- 
sex : that when they arrived, if they ever did, it would increase 
the number of his army about six or seven hundred ; that his 
whole Continental force of effectives dtd not exceed three thousand 
four hundred rank and tile ; that lie had about forty unlitia from 
this State, l)ut none from any otlier. 

About the same time the Council of Safety communicated to 
the delegates fiom this State in Congress the information they had 
ai'ipiired in regaid to tiie respective forces on l)otii sides ; that 
they hail no positive infonnation, but as near as they could gather, 
fi'om examination of i)risoners and other sources, the whole number 
of regular troops in the 2\oithern army with Burgoyne was about 
six thousand, besides a lai-ge number of Tories and Indians, who 
had joined him since the evacuation of Ticondei'oga : that about 
eight hundred llegulars, together with four hundred Canadians, 
Tories, and Indians, were besieging Fort Schuyler. 

In reference to our own Northern anny it was stated that it 
did not exceed four thousand men. 

The communication further stated that about two thousand of 
our militia went up when the anny retreated to Fort Edward, and 
about twelve hundi-ed came in from the Eastern States and the 
Grants. As it was the height of harvest, and the militia were very 
uneasy at their stay, the general thought it advisable to dismiss 
part of them, on condition that the remainder would continue 
three weeks, by which time they expected to l)e relieved by Conti- 
nental troops or militia. One thousand of the militia had remained 
until that time. Most of them, who had then come away, had 
found it necessary, on account of the retreat of tlie army, to re- 
move their families. The governor had ordered the whole militia 
of Alltany to supply their places,but fear was expressed that his 
order would not be obeyed, as the disallected had gained ascend- 
ancy in many places, and not only refused to go themselves, but 
compelled the Whigs to side with them. He had, however, sent 



286 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

up from Ulster and Duchess counties five hundred men, to remain 
until the 1st of November ; he had also ordered two hundred 
men to Schoharie, where the Whigs were besieged by Tories and 
Indians. He had seven hundred militia out in Tryon County, 
and about two thousand men in passes of the Highlands, seven 
hundred of these being drafted to continue until the 1st of No- 
vember, and the rest were the whole nulitia of the counties of 
Orange and the lower part of Duchess and Ulster. 

The letter proceeded : " You gentlemen wlio know our weak- 
ness, the great drains we have had, the trooi^s we are obliged to 
keep on posts to guard the disaffected prisoners in every quarter, 
the number that are pressed into service as wagoners, bateaumen, 
etc and that this whole force is drawn from four counties out of 
fourteen, that we once possessed, will think it much beyond our 
strength, but we are resolved if we do fall to fall as becomes brave 
men." 

Albany was not included in the above computation for reasons 
already stated, although it was probable a small force might be 
drawn from there. 

These were dark and desponding days for the Whigs of New 
York, apparently left almost entii'ely to their ov.ti insufficient 
resoiarces. But soon rays of light darted forth in the Northei'n 
horizon ; the nobly-fought battle of Oriskany, imder General 
Herkimer, on the 6th, with the Canadians and Indians, followed 
on the ICth by the triumj)hant victory of General Stark with his 
brigade from the Granite State and the militia and rangers raised 
in Vermont, over not only the British detachment sent for the 
possession of Bennington, but also the large re-enforcement sent 
by Burgoyne to their support, and further siipplemented on the 
21st by the precipitate retreat of General St. Leger and the entire 
breaking up of the right wing of the Northern invading army, at 
once raised the hopes of the desponding, and gave new and in- 
creased vigor and strength to the firm and determined Sons of 
Liberty. 

Soon after the news of these glorious triumphs was spread 
throughout the country enlistments made rapid progress, re-enforce- 
ments to the Northern army came pouring in, and General Bur- 
goyne soon found himself within the meshes of a net which he 
could not break, and was forced to surrender. 

As has been previously stated, the design of the British in the 
conduct of the war was by overpowering armies and a strong naval 
force from New York, to form a junction with Burgoyne at 
Albany. 

The Americans relied upon their fortifications and obstructions 



HISTOUY OK KINGSTON. 287 

in the Highlands, with the troops garrisoning the forts, to pre- 
vent it. 

Notwithstanding their great importance, not only for the safety 
of tiiis State, but for the wliole country, so great was the pressure 
upon New York in every direction, and so dilatory were her sister 
States in coining to her aid, that tlie Highland forts and jiasses 
were never at any time sutticiently manned. Tlie garrisoning of 
those forts and protection of those passes on the west side of the 
river were not only left substantially to be cared for by the Ulster 
and Orange County troops, but the necessities at the north had 
drawn away a large number of men from the northern part of 
Ulster to aid in the defeat or capture of Burgoyne. It was thus 
that while the State was necessarily strengtiiening itself in the 
north, it was dangerously weakening itself in the south. The forts 
referred to above were btiilt mainly for the river front, but were of 
very light construction on the- rear or hmdward side. 

Sir Henry Clinton, who was then in ccjmmand t)f the land forces 
at New York, became aware of those facts through information 
gleaned from the Tories, and determined at once to captui-e the forts 
by an overwhelming force. Accordingly on the '3d day of October 
he proceeded to the attack with between four and five thousand 
troops, and a large naval force and 1nins])orts. A few of his forces 
were landed on the east side of the river for a cover. Some of the 
ships also wei'e sent up the river, one to take a station so as to pre- 
vent any re-enforcements being despatched by Ceneral Putnam 
from the east to the west side of the river by Peekshill Ferry ; the 
others to engage Fort ^lontgomery in front, so as to divert the 
attention of the garrison from the rear. The main body, three 
thousand and upward strong, landed south of Stony Point, on the 
west side of the river, and were from thence ])iloted by a Tor\^, 
whose name the writer has not been able to ascertain, a circuit of 
about twelve miles through the wilderness to reach the fortitica- 
tions in the rear. 

'i'lie i^ritish troops reached the advanced party of the Americans 
stationed at Hoodletown, about two and one half miles from the 
fort, at about ten o'clock in the forenoon. The Ainericans received 
the enemy's fire, returned it, and retreated to Fort, Clinton. They 
soon received intelligence at Fort ^fontgomery that the enemy was 
advancing on the west side of the mountain to attack the gari'ison 
in the rear. Governor Clinton then ordered Lieutenant-Colonels 
Biiiyn and ^McClaughry, with upward of one hundred men, toward 
Hoodletown, and a brass field-piece, with sixty men, to be used at 
every advantageous post on the road to the furnace. They were 
all soon att'acked by the enemy in their full force. They de- 
fended with great spirit, and made much slaughter in the ranks of 



288 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the invaders, but of course they were overwhelmed and had to re- 
treat. The party on the furnace road were strengthened to over 
one hundred ; they kept their field-piece in full i)lay until the men 
who worked it were driven off with fixed bayonets ; then they 
spiked it, and retreated to a twelve-pounder which had been ordered 
to cover them, and from thence to the fort. 

Very soon after the advance parties had been diiven in, both Forts 
Montgomery and Clinton were invested on all sides, and an incessant 
tire kept up until night. 

When the sun was about an hour high the British commander 
summoned the Americans to surrender as prisoners of war within 
five minutes and prevent the shedding of blood. The demand was 
refused, and about ten minutes afterward the enemy made a 
desperate assault and forced the lines and redoubts at both forts. 
The garrison being determined not to surrender, as many of them 
as could fought their way out and escaped through the forest. 
Governor Clinton slid down a i^recipice toward the river and 
escaped in a boat, which he found on the shore, to the other side. 
General James Clinton also escaped through the woods. 

The foi-ts were, without doubt, defended with great and com- 
mendable spirit, and against overwhelming odds. The loss on the 
l^art of the patriots was about one hundred killed and two hundred 
and fifty taken prisoners. The enemy lost seven field officers and 
upward of three hundred and fifty rank and file killed. Sir Henry 
Clinton commanded the British force in person, and had three gen- 
eral officers with him. A deserter who came in after the taking of 
Fort Montgomery stated that the attacking force of the enemy 
consisted of five thousand men, of whom three thousand were 
British troops and Hessian yaughers, the remainder new levies 
under Brigadier-General Robertson and Colonel Fanning. Sir 
Henry Clinton reported his force at tliree thousand. 

After the surrender of the forts on the west side, as above. Fort 
Constitution was demolished by the garrison and abandoned. 
The fortifications being thus silenced, the enemy was enabled 
without hindrance to remove the obstructions which the Americans 
had i^laced in the river, and thus enjoy a free passage noi'thward. 

Governor Clinton, the same night in which he escaped from 
Fort Montgomery, proceeded to General Putnam's quarters to con- 
sult in regard to future movements. It was there agreed that 
General Putnam should withdraw his army to a very defensible 
pass in the mountiiins, about three miles below Fishkill Village, 
and call out the militia of the Eastern States ; that Governor 
Clinton should rally his scattered forces, and call out all the militia 
of Orange and Ulster counties. 

As soon as the enemy passed the chevaux-de-frlse both armies 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 289 

were to move northward, so as to keep pace with tlie enemy, cover- 
ing those parts of the country w-hich would be their greatest object. 
Governor ( 'liuton wrote to the Council of Safety at Kingston that 
as soon as the ships were likely to pass the vhrratix-de-frisc he 
would make a forced march to Kingston and endeavor to save that 
town ; that he was persuaded if the militia would join him, Iw could 
save the country with the exception of scattered buildings. But 
he soon afterward wrote again that the militia would not respond 
to his call. They were well disposed, but anxious about the im- 
mediate safety of their respective families, who for many miles 
back were removing farther from the river ; that they would come 
in the mf)rning and return home in the evening, and he never 
knew when he had them or what his strength was. He further 
stated that the moment the enemy moved up the river he would 
take the route on the west side of the \^'allkill to Kingston ; that 
he desired some small works to be thrown up towaid Esopus Land- 
ing to cover it and secure the defiles leading to the town, and tluit 
every man who could fire a gun should be immediately impressed 
and emploj'ed on those works. 

Tlie Legislature remained in session at Kingston until Tuesday, 
the 7th day of October. On that day news was received by express 
of the reduction of tlie forts in the Highlands, tliat at once spread 
consternation tluDughout the country. The Senate adjoui'ued 
until the next morning, but so many members of the Assembly 
at once absented themselves, some on military service, others for 
the necessary care of their families under the then existing ('ircum- 
stances, that there was not a quorum of the House left for tlie 
transaction of business. 

But the state of affairs required action upon many important 
measures looking to the defence of the country and the safety of 
the inhabitants, and therefore the members of the Senate and 
Assembly in attendance at Kingston fonned " a joint convention 
for the State to provide for the public safety." 

From Ulster County Mr. Pawling, of the Senate, and Messrs. 
Hardenbergh, Snyder, Schoonmaker, and Hea, of the Assembly, 
were in attendance at the convention. 

Pierre Van Cortlandt, the President of the Senate, was unani- 
mously ajipointed president of the convention. 

By the first resolution passed, tlie several county and district 
committees within the State, whicli were in being on the last pre- 
vious llUli of September, and the commissioners for detecting and 
defeating all conspiracies in the State, were continued in being, and 
respectively vested with all powers and authorities they had pre- 
viously had and exercised, and the members thereof respectively 
continued in office. 
19 



290 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

They also directed the committees to load the vessels at once 
with all kinds of provisions fonnd in the immediate vicinity of the 
river and ship them to Albany, giving proper receipts therefor, 
and also move into the interior all cattle and live stock excejat such 
as in their judgment might be necessary for the immediate use of 
the inhabitants ; and directed keepers to be appointed to have 
(>harge of the live stock, and with authority to impress pasture 
therefor. 

The convention then appointed William Floyd, John Morin Scott, 
Abraham Yates, Johannis Snyder, Egbert Benson, Robert Har- 
per, Peter Pra Van Zandt, Levi Pawling, Daniel Dunscomb, Evert 
Bancker, Alexander Webster, William B. Whiting, and Jonathan 
Langdon, or any seven of them, a Council of Safety, vested in the 
recess of the House, with the like powers and authorities which 
were given to the like Council of Safety appointed by the last con- 
vention of the State ; that every member of the Senate and Assem- 
bly of the State, and of the delegates to Congress from this State, 
be entitled from time to time to sit and vote in said council ; that 
they, or any seven of them, continue a Council of Safety as long 
as the necessities of the State requii'e it. 

The Council of Safety met at Kingston on the 8th of October. 
Mr. Floyd was chosen president. 

The council ordered that the prisoner's confined in jail, and the 
fleet prison at Kingston, be forthwith sent to Hartford, Conn., to 
be confined in such manner and at such places as the Governor of 
that State should direct. 

A letter to be sent to Governor Trumbull with the prisoners was 
adopted by the House, as follows : 

" Kingston October 8, 1777 

" Sir You will, before this time, have heard the fate of Forts 
Montgomery, Clinton and Constitution. "While assiduously em- 
ployed in strengthening Gen Gates and the Northern Army, from 
an o23inion that the fate of America would greatly depend upon 
our exertions in that quarter, the passes of the Highlands have 
been of necessity neglected. Add to this, that General Washington 
had called away almost all the Continental troops, which were in 
those posts, and you will readily perceive that we are entirely ex- 
posed. In this situation, it would be imprudent to keep a number 
of Prisoners in this State. We have therefore, by the bearer, sent 
to your care the several persons mentioned in the enclosed list 

" Yours etc 

"Pierre Van Cortlandt P?e*'rf^ 
" To Govt TnmibuU—" 



HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 291 

On the same day tlie convention enclosed to General Gates the 

despatch which had been received from Governor Clinton in a letter, 

as follows : 

"Octobers, 1777 

" Sir By the enclosed copy of the Governor's letter, you will 
perceive the situation we are reduced to ; and most probably will 
agree with us, that no time sliould ht' lost in reinforcing the South- 
ern army ; for which purpose it is our earnest request to you, that 
at least the militia from the counties of Ulster and Duchess, 
should be sent forward immediately if consistent with the safety 

of j'our department 

" Yours etc 

" Pierre Van Coktlandt Pres'dt 

' ' Major Gen Gates''' 

At a meeting of the Council of Safety held in Kingston on the 
10th of October, 1777, Colonels Pawling and Snyder were requested 
to issue the necessary orders to have all the male inhaliitants of 
the districts in their respective regiments, of sixteen years and 
upward, capable of bearing amis, immediately equipped and pro- 
vided with arms and ammunition, and to appoint proper alarm 
l)<)sts and places of rendezvous in case of the ap^woach of the 
enemy. 

It was ordered that Gerard Bancker, Vice-Treasurer of the 
State, do immediately cause all the moneys and property belonging 
to the Treasury of the State to be conveyed to Rochester, and that 
he considt with Hendrickus Hoornbeek, Johannis G. Hardenbergh, 
and Comfort Sands relative to the proi)er places for securing the 
same, lifter having cared for the monej^s, he was required to 
attend the council from day to day, constantly provided with 
£1(X)0 to answer such drafts as the council might from time to time 
order. 

That John Heniy, commissary of the clothing store, do imme^ 
diately cause all the clothing of the State to be packed up in jiack- 
ages and taken to Rochester. 

That John McKisson and Robert Benson, secretaries of the 
council, forthwith cause all the public papers xmder their care to 
be put into chests and packages and conveyed to Rochester. 

It was also ordered that Abraham Hasbrouck, Joseph Gasherie, 
Dirck Wynkoop, Jr., Christopher Tappen, and Samuel Bayard, 
Jr., or any two of them, do forthwith cause the public records, 
which were transported to this place from the city of New York, 
to be put in proper packages or chests and conveyed to Rochester. 

That Dirck Wynkoop and Oke Sudani cause the records of the 
county of Albany, of the county of Ulster, of the General Com- 
mittee of the county of Albany, and the records belonging to the 



292 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

office of the receiver-general of the colony of New York, to be put 
into boxes or chests and conveyed to Rochester. All the aforesaid 
records, papers, clothing, etc., were to be deposited in such places 
as the said Messrs. Hoornbeek, Hardenbergh, and Sands should 
recommend. 

On the 11th of October the Council of Safety advised the gov- 
ernor that they had ordered the militia in the vicinity of Shawan- 
gunk to repair to that place, and the residue to rendezvous at 
Kingston. 

It was at the same meeting ordered that Captain Benson cause 
all the armament and the accompanying apparatus on board of the 
aiTned vessel under his command to be landed, and that he should 
then take on board such provisions as the assistant commissary - 
general might think proper, and take the same to Albany. 

On the 10th of October a picket giiard of Colonel Webb's regi- 
ment, under the command of Lieutenant Brown, in the neighbor- 
hood of Little Britain, Orange County, captured Daniel Taylor, a 
first lieutenant in Captain Stewart's company of the Ninth Regi- 
ment of the royal anny, who was on his way at the time as a 
messenger from Sir Henry Clinton to General Bui-goyne. A por- 
tion of tlie picket guard were clotlied in Britisli uniform — red 
coats, which had been recently captured in a British transport. 
Taylor, deceived by the uniform, considered himself among friends 
and discovered himself. When arrested he asked the name of the 
commanding general. He was answered, " Clinton." Deceived 
further by the identity of the name, he requested to be conducted 
into the presence of the general. Upon reaching lieadquarters, 
instead of meeting Sir Henry Clinton, the commandant of the royal 
troops, he found himself in the presence of the American general, 
Governor George Clinton. He was observed to immediately put 
something in his mouth and swallow it. Dr. Moses Higby, a 
neighboring x^hysician, was called upon, and administered a power- 
ful emetic, which had the desired effect, and brought it forth ; but, 
although very closely watched, he had the skill to conceal it a 
second time. Governor Clinton supposing it to be, as it was, a 
silver ball containing a letter, demanded its immediate production, 
or in case that was not done he would instantly liang him up and cut 
him open to search for it. The ball was then produced. It proved 
to be a small silver ball of an oval fomi, about tlie size of a fusee 
bullet, and wliicli closed by a screw in the middle. Within was 
found a lettei-, of wiiich the following is a copy : 

" Fort Montgomery October 8th 1777 
" Nous-y-voici, and nothing now between us but Gates. I 
sincerely hope this little success of ours may facilitate your opera- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 293 

tions. In answer to your letter of the 28th Sept. by C C. I shall 
only say, I cannot presnnje to order, or even advise, for reasons 
obvious. I heartily wish you success. 

" Faithfully yours 

" H Clinton 
" To Gen Burgoyne'^ 

Taylor was detained, and tried by a general court-martial on 
the 14th of October, 1777, charged with " lurking about the camp 
as a spy from the enemy by order of Gen Clinton." Colonel Lewis 
l)u Bois was president. The prisoner was found guilty, and ad- 
Judged to suffer death, to be hanged at such time and place as the 
general should direct. 

On the 12th of October the Council of Safety received a letter 
from Governor Clinton enclosing a copy of the letter thus taken 
from Taylor the spy. In that communication to the ( Council of 
Safety tlie governor, after referring to the favorable news from the 
north, wrote thus in regard to the intercepted letter : " By a copy 
of a letter from Gen Sir Ileury (^linton to Burgoyne, now enclosed 
to you, you will oljserve that Clinton (Sir Henry) is no way confi- 
dent of their being able to fonn a junction of their armies, though 
there are nothing but bars between them. I wish nothing more 
than that Clinton may attempt it. I am persuaded lluit though 
the chance of war may at times occasion out prospect to appear 
gloomy when the enemy push hard, yet it is in that way their 
ruin must and will be effected ; and I greatly hope that Clinton, 
not wise enotigh to improve by example, will, like Burgoyne 
(Hushed with his late success) give stretch to his forces, or at least 
send parties out to try the affections of the inhabitants ; in either 
case I have no doubt lie will meet with the same fate. Should this 
not be the case, I hope in a few days to have strength enough to 
be the assailant." 

After the enemy had obtained the conti'ol of the American forts 
in the Highlands, they, of course, found no difficulty in removing 
tlie obstructions at West Point ; but it was still lK>i)ed that the 
(•heraux-de-frise which had been sunk from XicolTs Point to 
Pollopel Island would form a serious obstruction, (ireat was the 
disappointment of the Americans, however, when tlie,y saw a part 
of the Britisli fleet come gliding along in single file, and, after 
the first vessel had made a momentary stop to reconnoitre, all 
pass thi-ough under easy sail in rotation. Tlie mystery was soon 
explained ; in building the obstruction a secret passage had been 
left for the river craft, and one of the artificers acquainted with its 
location had deserted to the British the niglit before and piloted 
the vessel through. Such wily secret enemies, coveting British 



f^ 



294 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

gold, appear to have wound themselves into misplaced confidence 
everywhere that an opportunity offered for betrayal. 

The British commander, Clinton, after securing a jiassage 
through the obstructions for the fleet, despatched Captain Sir 
James Wallace with a galley, a schooner, and three small vessels 
up the river on a reconnoitring expedition. They proceeded above 
the Highlands on the 11th ; they went to within about three miles 
of Poughkeepsie and then returned, having burned Van Keuren' s 
Mills and a number of buildings on the east side of the river, and 
all the sailing craft that came Avithin their reach. 

Upon the return of this reconnoitring expedition the marauding 
expedition of General Vaughan was organized. It consisted of the 
following naval vessels under the command of Captain Sir James 
Wallace, who sailed in the Friendship, 22 guns ; the MoUoy, Cap- 
tain A. J. Pye ; the Diligent, Lieutenant Farnham ; the Depend- 
ence, Lieutenant Clarke ; the Spitfire, Lieutenant Scott ; the 
Crane, Master Hitchcock ; the Raven, Captain Stanhoi:)e, and 
twenty galleys and flat-boats. 

On these vessels were embarked, as near as can be estimated, 
about sixteen hundred men, under the command of Major-General 
John Vaughan. This force embraced the Seventh, the Twenty- 
sixth, and Twenty-third regiments. The expedition sailed from 
Peekskill on the 14th of October with a fair wind, and on the night 
of the 15th anchored off Esopus Island. 

On the morning of the 15th they were discovered by the Light 
Horsemen on guard at New Windsor, in their jirogress below 
Butter Hill under cover of a heavy fog. Governor Clinton was 
at once notified, and immediately, at 9 a.m., despatched a letter 
by express to the Council of Safety at Kingston, informing them 
of the movement of the vessels, and in which he stated, " Had it 
not been for this movement of the enemy, I intended this day or 
to-mori'ow to have drawn my few troops from this place toward 
the rear of Fort Montgomery, but I must now desist, and watch 
their motions ; and should they land and march against me, with 
any considerable force, I shall be constrained with my present 
numbers to retreat before them, annoying them only if favorable 
opportxmity shall offer. I was in hopes 'ere now, to have received 
the reinforcements from tlie northward, which you mentioned ; 
not a man of whicjh has yet aiTived. I wish Col Pawling with his 
regiment was with me. Since writing the above the enemy's fleet, 
consisting of thirty sail, have passed Newburgh and with crowded 
sail and fair -wand, are moving quick up the river, the front of 
them are already at the Dunskamer. There are eight large square 
rigged vessels among them, and all appear to have troops on board. 

"My troops are parading to march to Kingston. Our route 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



295 



■will be through Shawangunk to prevent delay crossing the Paltz 
river. 

' ' I leave Col Woodhuir s, McClaughry' s, and jiart of Kasl)ronck" s 
regiments as a guard along the river, llawtliorn's has gone to the 
southward, to guard a quantity of arms towards headquarters. 
. . . Let the IMilitia- V)e diawn out ready to oppose the enemy : I 
will be with you if nothing extra luii>pens before day ; though my 
troops cannot 

"I am Yours etc 

" Geo Clinton" 

In the mean time the Coi;ncil of Safety continued holding two 
sessions daily, morning and evening, at Kingston, endeavoring to 
transact the necessary current business and provide for the safety 
of tlie public ])roperty and records. The last session at Kingston 
was lield on the afternoon of the l.'^th of October, at tlie tavern of 
Conrad Elmendorf, situated at the southeast corner of Maiden Lane 
and Fair Street. 'I'lie members in attendance at that session were : 
Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt,* President, and Messrs. Yates, 
Dunsconib, Floyd, Van Zandt, Parks, Scott, Webster, Ro\vaii, 
Ilaiper, Pawling, and Mori-is. 

At that meeting a letter was received by express from John 
Barclay, chairman of the Albany comnuttee, giving information 
of the capitulation of the army of General Burgoyne. Tlie ])earer 
of said letter was Bernardus Hallenbeek, to whom the council at 
once voted a reward of £.')(). 




CUNKAD ELMEXDORF S TA \ 



296 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

The council immediately at about five o'clock in the after- 
noon forwarded that despatch by express, together with a lettei-, 
to Governor Clinton, informing him that " we have just received 
information from tlie Landing, that about thirty sail of the enemy's 
vessels appeared opposite the Esopus Island, and are standing up 
the river. Some works have been thrown up below, according to 
your Excellency's requisition. Alai-m guns have just been fired. 
We have not any particulars, on this occasion, more than already 
mentioned. We shall forward any further information to you, as 
it may from time to time occur, without the loss of a moment. In 
the meantime Sir, give us leave to assure you, that we will contrib- 
ute all in our power to enable the militia officers, who command 
here to make the best possible defence, at this post during your 
Excellency's absence 

" I have the Honor to be Your Excellency's Most Ob't Serv't 

"Pierre Van Courtlandt Pres'dt 
'' His Ex Gov CUnton'' 

The express messenger to wdiom this letter and above-mentioned 
despatch were intrusted for transmission to .the governor was 
Cornelius Cole, the same Light Horseman who had been siimmoned 
on the 9th of October before the CouncU of Safety upon complaint 
of neglect or refusal on his part to do his duty when called upon. 
He did not api^ear to have improved any under the warning of the 
Council of Safety, as instead of pressing forward witli his de- 
spatches, to hasten if possible the arrival of the troops, he studied 
his ease and comfort, and stopped for the night at a fann-house by 
the wayside, where he was found the next morning by another and 
subsequent express leisurelj^ preparing to depart on his joiirney. 
His residence, unfortunately, did not happen to be in the threat- 
ened village of Kingston. 

In Kingston there was, of course, the greatest excitement and 
commotion, the inhabitants striving to get away themselves, and 
moving as much of their worldly j^ossessions and valuables as 
possible out of reach of the vandal hordes. All wlio were able 
billeted themselves upon their friends, principally through Hurley, 
Marbletow^i, Rochester, and Warwasing. 

Governor Clinton arrived with his stafl' about nine o'clock on 
the evening of tlie 15th, having left his army to press forward as 
rapidly as possible. After learning the situation of affairs, and 
transmitting several despatches, he left on the morning of the 16th 
for Marbletown. Finding that it was impossible for the main 
body of his army to reach Kingston in time to be of any service, 
lie sent orders for them to halt and proceed no farther. 

Tlie British fleet, on the night of the 15th of October, came to 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 297 

anchor near Esopus Island, and next morning, tlie lOtli, they 
weighed anchor at an early hour, and arrived at the mouth of 
Kondout Creek, opposite Columbus Point, about nine o'clock. The 
Lady Washington galley was at that time lying in the mouth of 
the creek opposite Ponckhockie. The British from their fleet soon 
opened a heavy fire upon the said galley and upon two batteries or 
earthworks which had been hastily thrown up on the high ground 
back of Ponckhockie, since known as Breastwork Hill, and where 
five light pieces of cannon were in position. 

The firing was continued for some time on both sides with but 
little damage. Soon after noon the British made preparations to 
land in two divisions, one, comprising about four hundred men, in 
Itondout Creek, where the old Cantine Dock, afterward knoun 
as the Tremper Dock, was formerly situated, and the other in the 
vove above Columbus Point. 

The Lady Washington galley was then run up tlie creek and 
scuttled near Eddyville. A party of British seamen who were in 
chase of that vessel landed on the south side of the creek, where 
South Rondout is now situated, and burned the house of Wilhel- 
mus Houghteling, Jr. Other British seamen, with boats from their 
respective vessels, boarded and set fire to the fleet prison and other 
vessels lying in the creek. 

The division of the English invading, or, rather, marauding 
force, which landed at the Ponckhockie Dock, at once attacked and 
carried the breastworks at the point of the bayonet. The de- 
fenders, only one hundred and fifty in number, under Colonels 
Levi Pawling and Johannis Snyder, remained until the last min- 
ute, then spiking the guns, retreated up the creek. The English 
at once burned the only houses that were then standing along the 
creek at the landing, three in number, and when that brave feat 
was accomplished, they proceeded to form a junction with the 
other division and attack the village of Kingston. 

The main body of the force, commanded by General Vaughan 
in person, landed on the beach in the cove just above Columbus 
Point. They seized a negro and compelled him to act as guide, 
and then took the direction to Kingston, mounted the hill, and 
united with the other division, which had marched u]i the landing 
road, at or near the present junction of Union and Delaware avenues. 
On their way they fired the house of Moses Yeomans, but the fire 
was extinguished by his slaves before much damage was done. 

General Vaughan was met by Jacobus Lefferts. a Tory from the 
city of New York, who was residing with his family in Kingston. 
He informed him that a despatch had been received in Kingston 
the evening before alleging the capitulation of General Burgoyne. 

The invading force marched to the village without resistance- 
Some accounts state that there was a scattering fire kept up by 



298 HISTORY OF KINGSTOJT. 

a few men stationed in the woods near where the City Hall now 
stands, but the writer has been told by a number of Kingsto- 
nians living at that time, some of whom were members of the 
militia, that there was a small detachment of militia stationed 
in the woods in that locality, about one hundred strong, and the 
men were anxious and begged to be permitted to fire and pick off 
the officers ; but the officer in command would not allow, but for- 
bade it. Such, in the early days of the ^\Titer, was the traditional 
and generally received opinion in this vicinity, confinned by the 
statements of contemi^oi-aries. If the commandant of that detach- 
ment had not been the nobler man of the two, and thus careful of 
the lives of British officers. General Vaughan might not have lived 
to set forth in his official report the wilful and base falsehood, 
as a justification for his act of vandalism, that " on our (the British 
troops) entering the town, they (the citizens) fired from their 
houses, tCiJiicJt induced m,e to reduce the i^lace to ashes, which I 
accordingly did, not leaving a house." The truth is that the 
people had fled from their homes, and no resistance at all was 
offered after the troops reached the village. The manufacture and 
promulgation of the falsehood, however, shows that he appreciated 
the villainy of his conduct, and was not altogether devoid of 
shame. 

As soon as the troops reached the village they were divided into 
small parties and led through the different streets, firing the houses 
and outbuildings as they proceeded. They did not tarry long, but 
made haste to complete their work of destruction, as they were 
informed by the Tory Lefferts, and knew from other sources, that 
Governor Clinton was en route with his army to meet them, and 
could not be very far distant. They therefore hastened in their 
work, gathered what plunder they could, and returned to their 
ships within three houi-s of the time of their embarkation. 

Thus was the village of Kingston, then the third place in size 
and importance in the State of New York, wantonly destroyed and 
the inhabitants punished for their patriotism by the destruction of 
nearly all their worldly stores, and in some cases reduced to 
actual poverty and want. 

The advance division of Governor Clinton's forces reached the 
high grounds at Kuyckuyt, on the Greenkill road, overlooking the 
village, in time to see the whole village in flames and the invading 
forces retiring in haste to their ships. 

On tile next day, the ITtli of October, desiring to make a further 
disj)lay of their valor where there were no opposing forces to stay 
their progress, and that their official despatches might blazon forth 
the statement that "the officers and men upon this occasion 
behaved with the greatest spirit," they landed about four miles 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 299 

above Kingston, at the isolated farm-house of Petrus Ten Broeck, 
on the west side of the river, and, finding no one to welcome or 
oppose them, burned his house, storehouse, and barn. That prop- 
erty is still in the liands of the immediate descendants of Mr. Ten 
Broeck, and the marks of the burning are still visilile upon a tree 
which stood within a few feet of the house, and which, having re- 
covered from tlie effects of the tire, is still standing, of lai'ge pro- 
portions, with its century's gi-owth. They at the same time in 
the same way visit+^d their vengeance upon the st^^rling Whig 
families, the Whittakers. 

The following are the oflScial accounts of the British officers in 
regard to the burning of Kingston : 

" On Board the FitiENOsnip off Esopus 
October 17, 10 O'clock Morning 

"Sir I have the honor to inform you that on the evening of 
the loth instant I ariived off Esopus ; finding that the rebels had 
thiown up works and had made every disposition to annoy us and 
cut off our communication I judged it necessary to attack them, 
the wind at that time being so much against us that we could make 
no way. I accoi'dingly landed the troops attacked the batteries 
drove them from their works, sjulted and destroyed their guns. 
Esopus heino a nursery for almost every villain in the country I 
judged it necessary to i^roceed to that towTi. On our approac7i. 
they were drawn up with cannon which we tooTc and drove them 
out of the place. On our entering the town they fired frovi their 
houses w1iic7i induced me to reduce the place to ashes, which I 
accordingly did not leaving a house. We found a considerable 
quantity of stores, which shared the same fate. 

" Sii- James Wallace has destroyed all the shipping, except an 
armed galley which ran up tlie creek, v.ith everything belonging 
to the vessels in store. 

"Our loss is so inconsiderable that it is not at present worth 
while to mention. 

" I am etc 

" John Vaughan" 

" Galleys and Armed Vessels off Esopus Creek ] 

Oct 17, 1777 f 
" Sir We proceeded up the river destrojdng a number of 
vessels as we sailed along without stopping till we arrived at 
Esopus Creek where we found two batteries one of two guns the 
other of three guns erected, and an armed galley at the mouth of 
the creek who endeavored to prevent our passing by their cannon- 
ade. Gren Vaughan was of opinion such a force should not be left 
behind. It was detennined to land and destroy them, and inune- 



800 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

diately executed, without retarding our proceeding up tlie river. 
The general marched for the town and fired it. The boats from 
the armed vessels went up the creek burnt two brigs, several armed 
sloops and other craft with all their apparatus that was in store 
upon the shore. Lieut Clarke of the ' Dependence ' with two or 
three others, in firing the stores was blown up, but we flatter our- 
selves not dangerously. 

" The officers and men on tlds occasion heJiaved with the great- 
est spirit. 

"By all our infomiation I am afraid that Gen Burgoyne is 

retreated if not worse. 

" I have etc 

" J AS Wallace 
" Comm.odore HotJiam " 

In the official report of the commanding general, Sir William 
Howe, to Lord George Germaine, dated October 25th, 1777, is con- 
tained the following passage : 

" I have the satisfaction to enclose to your Lordship a report 
just received of a very spirited piece of service performed by Major 
Gen Vaughan and Sir James Wallace up the Hudson river." 

The following notice of the proceedings of the expedition up the 
Hudson appeared in the New York Gazette, November 3d, 1777 : 

" October 15 Three sloops taken in attempting to escape to the 
Fishkill, and two pettiangers destroyed 

'' The house mill and outhouses, and a sloop belonging to Col 
Francis Stoutenburgh at Crum Elbow, burned. Two sloops on the 
East side burnt that evening 

" October IB Set fire to two brigs, etc and burnt Kingston 

" October 17 The house, storehouse, barn, etc of Mr Petrus 
Ten Broeck, a rebel General, the house, barn and outhouses of 
Robert Gilbert Livingston and a house and mill belonging to Judge 
Livingston on the East side of the river burned. 

" October 18. Another house belonging to Judge Livingston, 
one to Mr John Livingston, with three others destroyed in like 
manner 

" Oct 22— Two houses one the property of Judge Smith, on the 
east side a sloop and barn likewise two houses, with their append- 
ages on the west side were burnt and on the 23rd a sloop was 
burned on the stocks 

" In the town of Kingston, a large quantity of powder, and a 
large number of fire arms together with many valuable stores were 
destroyed." 

The Gazette then further proceeds to state that : 

" Another more accurate account from Esopus informs us that 
on the landing of Gen Vaughan with the troops under his com- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 301 

mand tlie rebels Avitliout the least prospect of advantage to them- 
selves fired iipou them from a breastwork just thrown up ami 
which they did not stay to defend. This joined to an insolent and 
provokine; behavior occasioned the army to march up and set fire 
to the town which was presently entirely consumed. 

" There were destroyed 326 houses with a barn to almost every 
one of them, filled with flour besides grain of all kinds iinich valu- 
able furniture and effects, which the royal army <lis(hiiued to take 
with them. Twelve thousand bairels of flour were burnt, and they 
took at the town four jneces of cannon, with ten more upon the 
river, Avith 115U stand of arms with a large quantity of powder 
were blown up. The whole service was effected and the troops re- 
embarked in tliree hours." 

Governor Clinton immediately after the burning and the an'ival 
of his forces, concentrated them at Hurley, and wrote the follow- 
ing letter to General Gates : 

" Marbletown 17th Octr 1777 
'' Dr General 

" Yesterday afternoon about four O'clock, the enemy took pos- 
session of and burn't the town of Kingston. Foi' want of a proper 
number of troops, no resistance could be made. I have now the 
body of men under my command, which mairhed from New 
Windsor to my assistance, and shall immediately proceed to tlie 
ruins of Kingston, which the enemy have abandoned. I have sent 
off a party of Lighthorse to reconnoitre, and shall act in such 
manner as the motions of the enemy may direct. ... 

' ' I have the honor to be etc 

" Geo Clinton 

" P. S. — A prisoner, by no means intelligent, says that the 
enemy are two thousand strong commanded by Gen Yaughan.-' 

When General Gates received the news of the burning of Kings- 
ton, just after the surrender of General Burgoyne, he forwarded 
the following letter to General Yaughan by the boat carrying Lord 
Petersham with despatches from Burgoyne to Sir Henry Clinton 
informing him of his surrender : 

" Albany 19 October 1777 
"Sir 

'• With unexampled cruelty, you have reduced the fine village 
of Kingston to ashes, and most of the wretched inhabitants to 
ruin. I am also informed, you continue to ravage and Imrn all 
before you on both sides of the river, -feat thus your King's gen- 
erals think to make converts to the Royal cause ? It is no less 
surprising than true, that the measiires they adopt to serve their 



302 HISTORY OF KINGSTON". , 

master, must have quite the contrary effect. Their cnielty estab- 
lishes the glorious act of Independence, upon the broad basis of 
the general resentment of the People. 

" Other Generals, and much older oflScers than you can pretend 
to be, are now by the fortune of war in my hands ; their fortune 
may one day be yours, when, sir, it may not be in the power of 
any thing human to save you from the just vengeance of an injured 
People 

" I am Sir Yr most obedt hum serv't 

" Horatio Gates 
" Tlie Hon John VaugJian Majr OeneraV 



/ 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

EXTENT OF DAMAGES— MAP, AND LIST OF SUFFERERS— RELIEF 
FURNISHED— SOME TRADITIONS STATED. 

HAVING thus recorded the act of vandalism by the higlitoned 
Britons, it will be interesting to pause and contemplate, as 
far as we are able, the extent of the damage and the names of the 
suffering patriots. 

In the absence of any official record the opinion has generally 
prevailed, based upon tradition, that Kingston was entirely con- 
sumed, only one house and one barn having been left standing. 
The house was understood to have been that of Tobias Van Steen- 
bergh, Jr., which is stiU standing, having undergone some slight 
alterations, on the west side of Wall Street, directly opposite to the 
western terminus of Bowery Street. 

The barn was that of Benjamin Low, which stood on the east 
side of "Wall Street, directly adjoining the north end of the l)urying- 
ground. It was afterward mo\'ed back about seventy-five feet, to 
make room for a building put uj) by one Noah Wells, a subsequent 
owner, for a hatter's shop. The barn remained standing there until 
a short time before the savings-bank building was erected, covering 
its original site. 

Ri vington' s New York Gazette {?i Royalist paper) of October 27th, 
1777, contains an abstract from a letter wiitten on board the British 
fleet at Esopus, which states that "every house except that of 
Alderman Lefferts of New York, was set on fire and consumed." 
Alderman Lefferts' s house is understood to^ave been tj^hoxise 
then standing, where Mr. jS^I^ house now stands, on tlie north 
side of Albany Avenue abopt three hundred feet distant therefrom. 
At that time the eastern boundary of the settled part of the village 
was East Front Street, beyond which street the Lefferts house ^vas 
more than half a mUe distant. All beyond East Front Street, out- 
side of the fence above the bi'ow of the hill, was lying in commons, 
and called " the plains." That may account for the Lefferts 
house not being included generally in houses saved in the vil- 
lage. 

The New York Packet of October 28d, 1777, says' that " the 
conflagration was genei'al, and in a very short time that i)leasant 



304 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 







VAN STEENBERGH HOL'SE, THE ONLY HOUSE WHICH ESCAPED THE FIRE. 

and wealthy town was reduced to ashes — one house only escaped 
the flames." 

There is still another tradition that a brewery situated on the 
south side of North Front Street, a short distance west of Greene 
Street, was not burned. The tradition in reference to that building 
is that a negro slave of the proprietor rolled out the beer-barrels 
and treated the soldiers bountifully with their national drink, at 
the same time accompanying the act, in the negro's melodious voice, 
with singing English national songs, with Avhich the soldiers in 
their hilarity were so much delighted, that they spared the building 
for his sake, and enthusiasticallj^ joined in the choruses. 

Colonel Abraham HasbroTick, who was a resident of Kingston 
at the time, in his diary, which is still in existence, and was kept 
by him with regular entries for many years, states that "the 
enemy burnt all the houses and barns except one house aij^harn 
in the town." W' 

The only official document giving the names of the su^-ers at 
the burning of Kingston is the list of names reported by Andries 
De Witt, Edward Schoonmaker, and Benjamin^Low, who in June, 
1786, were appointed a committee^J^^H^Ie^rustees of the corpora- 
tion of Kingston " to make a list and estimate of the persons enti- 
tled to, and having an interest in the donation of lands, made by 
Chancellor Livingston to the Inhabitants and residents of this 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 305 

town, who are the sufTerers in the late conflagi'ation of the said 
town." 

The particulars of the donation will appear in a subsequent 
chapter. It was of five thousand acres of land to be disposed of 
by the trustees '' in such way as will be most advanta.i;eous to the 
suffering inhabitants of Kingston." The tract was divided by the 
trustees in one hundred fifty-acre lots. The committee reported 
only a sufficient number of names to ecpial the number of lots to 
be distributed. So far as it goes it is reliable, but does not name 
all the suffei'ers. Upon what basis the selection Avas made does 
not appeal'. 

In 1886 some parties in looking over bundles of old papers 
which had been packed away in the loft of an office by Peter 
Marius Groen, the grandfather of the writer, including some of 
his personal papers, as well as some which came into his hands 
as administrator of tlie estate of Peter Van Gaasbeek, long since 
deceased, an old paper was found purporting to be "a true account 
of the Dwelling houses. Barns, outhouses and Barracks destroyed 
at Kingston IG Oct'r 1777 by our enemies under the command of 
Maj Ct. Vaughan." 

It contains li:i names, IIT) dwelling-houses, 103 barns, 140 liar- 
racks, 17 storehouses, including a market and brew-house ; also a 
church, an academy, 2 school-houses, and court-house. 

It has the ap])eai'ance of being and undoubtedly is an ancient 
paper ; l)ut there is nothing upon it to indicate when it was made 
or by whom. In appearance it indicates more clearly a rough di'aft 
than a carefully prepared statement. 

It omits the names of several persons who are reported as suf- 
ferers In the official statement above referred to. 

Nathan Smedes's mill in North Front Street, Jacob Treiii])er's 
house in (ireene Street, were all un(|uestionably burned, and they 
are put down as only having had barns burned. 

In it the brewery is put down as having been burned and as 
belonging to Dirck Wynkoop, whereas it belonged to Johannis 
Sleght, and according to tradition was not burned. 

Both papers will be set forth in full in the Ajipendix. A rate 
bill of (he EnfjJlHli seJtnnI, for six months immediately preceding 
and up to the day of the burning, with names of jiarents and 
scholars, will also be given in the Appendix, and be particularly 
referred to in a subsequent chapter. 

The large number of barns and barracks burned at a time of the 
year when the entire season's crop must have been gathered in a 
locality noted for its fertility, and the then great grain-producing 
region of the State, indicates a loss to the fanning community 
which must have been great and cannot be estimated. 
20 



306 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. ' 



It lias been generally supposed that the Lefferts property 
escaped destruction by reason of the rank Toryism of the owner. 
But if the memorandum previously referred to, and contained in 
the Appendix, is correct, his barn and two barracks were burned. 
On account of a hole in the paper it cannot be seen what report it 
made as to the house. There is also a tradition in regard to the 
Lefferts place, that the soldiers, after liring the barn and barracks, 
were determined also to burn the house, and while ]\Irs. Lefferts 
was parleying with them to prevent it, the return call sounded and 
the soldiers left, leaving the house untouched. In reference to the 
Van Steenbergh house there are various accounts given. One is, 
that JSIrs. Hammersly, a prominent Tory lady, lived there, and the 
house was spared on her account. That does not appear very 
probable, judging from the conduct of the red-coats on other occa- 
sions. Another is, that they set lire to the hoixse, but the recall 
was sounded before the fire had progressed much, and was quickly 
extinguished by the slaves, who were concealed in the woods in 
the immediate neighborhood. Another account given is that, it 
being a hotel, one of the slaves who remained behind rolled out a 
bairel of rum, knocked in the head, and treated the soldiers to 
their hearts' content until the recall sounded, when they left, 
leaving the house untouched. 

As to the brewery, the account of its escape is also accredited 
to beer-barrels being rolled out by a slave and the contents freely 
distributed among the soldiei'S, as before stated. 

The following is a list of the sufferers at the burning of King- 
ston, October 16th, 1777 : 



Cornelius Beekman 65 

Evert Bogardus 83 

Nicholas Bogardus 1 

Abraham Brinckerhoff. ... 63 

Petrus Burhans 

David Cox 24 

Abraham De Lametter .... 48 

Johannis B. I)e Witt 43 

Egbert Dumont 30 

Peter Dumont 81 

Al)raham Elmendorf 93 

Benjamin Elmendorf 94 

Coenraedt J. Elmendorf. .. 

Jan Elmendorf 

Dr. Jacobus Elmendorf. . . 39 

AVilliam Elsworth 14 

William Eltinge 9 



John Beekman 75 

Gertrey Bogardus 6 

Petrus Bogardus 60 

> Isaac Burhans 

Coenraedt Crook 87 

David De Lametter 105 

Rev. George J. L. Doll. . . 53 

John Dumont 38 

' Ai'iantje Elmendorf 

Coenraedt Elmendorf . . . . . . 85 

Cornelius Elmendorf 11 

Mary Elmendorf 52, 62, 102 

Abraham Eltinge 16 

Elizabeth Eltinge 41 



'. C^ J ■*.*.*.-* 



32., ar.tf-if^ -^^ 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 



307 



/ 



Abraham Freer 101 

Johannis Freer 55 

Joseph Cashprie 8 

James Ilaiiiiltou 89 

Abraham Hasbrouck, Jr.. 

Abniliaiii HHriiiance 88 

Antlumy IIoITmuhi 5 

Tennis Houghteling 97 

Cornelius Janse 37 

Richard Inglis 

Catharine Kiersted 64 

William Kirby 

Abraham Low 40 

Cornelia Low 25 

Jacob Marius Groen 79 

Abraham Masten 19 

Cornelius Masten. . ^ 108 

Johannis Masten 10 

Johannis Persen 29 

James Roe 7 

Henry iSleght 42 

Johannis Sleylit 3 & 4 

Petrus Sleght 

Nathan Smedes 2 

Oke Su<lain 2G 

Beiijaniiii Swart 

Phili]) Swart 

Benjamin Ten Broeck 

Matthew E. Thompson .... 20 

Abraham Turck 

Christojiher Tappen 15 

Pliilip \'an Buren 

Jf icholas Vanderlyn 27 

Gerrett \'an Keuren 34 

Abraham Van Gaasbeek . . 18 

Ann ^'an Steenbergli 

Matthew Van Steenhergh . 92 
Tobias Van Steenbergli, Jr. 

(not burned) 95 

Birck A\'ynkoop 72, 68 

Cornelius Wyukoop 76 

The Ai"ulem\- 33 

Two Schoolhouses 104, 114 

MiU 2 



i Anthony Freer 12 

Solomon Freer 

Abraham Hasbrouck 67 

I Elias Hasbrouck 51 

Jacob Heniiance 90 

Philip Houghteling 69 

Petrus Hudler 112 

Johannis Janse 71 

Dr. Thomas Jones 82 

Br. Luke Kiersted 37 

I 

1 Benjamin Low 56 

Jacobus Low 58 

John McLean 77 

Benjamin Masten 91 

Ezekiel Masten 87 

Johannis IMasten, Jr 90 

Matthew Persen 30 

Frantz P. Roggen 31 

Henry Sleght^Jr 21, 23 

Johannis Sleght, Jr 

Tennis Sleght 

[ Johannis Snyder 84 

Adam Swart 100 

Petrus Swart 80 

Tobias Swart 50 

Jacob Ten Brcjeck 109 

Jacob Tremper 46 

Jacob Turck 66 

Tobias A'an Buren 81 

Cornelius Van Keuren .... 98 

Johannis Van Keuren 59 

Abraham ^' an (xaasbeek, Jr. 

Lena Van Steenbergh 

Tobias Van Steenbergh 103 

Cornelius Velie 21 

Johannis Wynkoop 17 

Church 54 

Market 110 

Brewery (not burned) 3 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 301) 

Those whose property was located within the village are given 
in ali)liabetical order, and the location f)f their houses desig- 
nated, as far as practicable, by con-esponding numbers upon the 
accompanying map. Those whose houses were not within the 
village, but on the creek or river, are stated below. Some of them 
weie burned a few days subsequent to tlie burning of the village, 
but by the same marauding expedition. 

Those whose houses cannot be located have no numbers. It 
will be found that tiiere are several houses located by number on 
the map wliich liave no corresponding number on the list, because 
the tliei) owner cannot be positively designated. 

Jacobus Left'erts's i)ropei-ty, located north of 109 and beyond 
range of map. 

SufTercrs along water front, Rondout Creek and Hudson River, 
outside of viUage : 

Moses Cantine, Wilhelmus Hough teling, Jr., Petrus Ten Broeck, 
John Whitaker, Petrus Whitaker, Samuel Whitaker. 

In anotlier cha])ter an account is given of a large fire which 
originated in the house (No. 35 on map) of Colonel Abraham Has- 
brouck, in October, 1776, by which houses located at points num- 
bered on tlie map as 10, 13, 34, 35, 40, and 41, were burned at that 
time. Some were rebuilt wholly or partially before October, 1777, 
and some were not. 

The colored burying-ground is numbered on the map as 113. 

It is reasonable to suppose that wlien the British approached 
Kingston the unanned inhabitants who had not akeady Hed from 
the village luade what (expedition they could to get out of hanu's 
way. Tliey did not all take it as easy as tlie two industrious burgh- 
ers who were so intently engaged at work in a field on the " Arm- 
bowerye'' near the village, as ti-adition asserts, that they did not 
notice tlie approach of the enemy until they were directly upon 
them, when, in the height of their astonishment and alann, one 
cried out, '''■Me lutare oop P^ and the other in chorus said, ^^ Eli 
oke r'' thus, in the tremor for their lives, lU'knowledging tliemselves 
the dutiful subjects of the King. 

Wliatever may liave been their expedition, however, whether 
speedy or laggard, it gave rise to the following Dutch doggerel : 

" IxKjp, jongens, Imip, tie llooje 
Koiiime. Span dc wjii^cn 
Voor do paerde, cii vy na 
Hurley toe." 

Thjg ti'anslation is as follows : 

-" Run, boys, mn, the red-coats are coming. Harness the horses 
before the wagon, and to Hurley ride." 



310 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

After the Britisli had completed their work of destruction and 
returned to their shipping, tliose of the inliabitants who were in 
the immediate vicinity returned to endeavor, if possible, to recover 
something from the smoking ruins. But the destruction generally 
was complete, and nothing but ashes and bare walls left of their 
once comfortable homes. Many who, notwithstanding the tax- 
ation and burdens of protracted war, had accumulated some prop- 
erty, found themselves by this act of vandalism again reduced to 
poverty. All were obliged for a time to throw themselves upon 
the hospitality of their friends. As soon as practicable, the suffer- 
ing inhabitants commenced building temporary shelters to with- 
stand the blasts of approaching winter. Those whose homes had 
been of stone were enabled to rest their huts, in the form of a 
lean-to, against the standing walls. 

The cry of indignation and shame at the nncalled-for brutality 
was heard from every part of the land, and the true American 
heart, which ever beats in sympathy for the wronged and the 
oppressed, sent forth sjTiipathetic resolves and donations from 
various portions of the country. A country impoverished by war 
and oppression could not be expected to do much for the relief of 
others, but what they did was received with the thanks and the 
prayers of those whose burdens, to some extent at least, were 
lightened thereby. Noblest among all of our sister States in that 
day of trial stood South Carolina, as shown by a letter still extant, 
written in behalf of her citizens to Governor Clinton. 

" Charlestown 31 March 1778. 
" Sir 

" I do myself the pleasure to send you, herewith, the sum of 
£3711 10 equal to £927 17 6 New York currency. This numey has 
been received for the charitable purpose of alleviating the distress- 
es of the now indigent inhabitants of the town of Kingston, Avho 
by the ravages of the enemy are reduced to poverty and want. A 
much larger sum would have been collected liad not a melancholy 
accident by fire called the immediate attention of many liberal souls 
to dissipate the wants of many of the inhabitants of the capital of 
this State, who are reduced to beggary by the late dreadful con- 
flagration. 

" From a personal acquaintance with your excellency, I per- 
suade myself you will readily excuse the trouble I give, in request- 
ing your attention to a pi'oper distribution of this donation. I 
have the pleasure to be with sentiments of esteem and respect 
" Yonr most obedient Hum'l Serv't 

" Abm Livingston 
^^ His Excellency George Clinton''' 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 311 

Robert R. Livingston, too, richer in lands tluin in personal 
property, and enil)arrassed by the destruction of liis honse and the 
ravages of the enemy iqion the same marauding expedition, made 
the munificent gift of five thousand acres of land for the relief of 
the iulialiitants of Kingston. The fact is simply noted here, as it 
will be necessary to refer to it more fully liereafter. 

There are some family incidents and traditions connected with 
the burning of the place which n\ay be of some interest, and will 
be noticed here, embracing in some cases the reasons why some 
buildings supposed to have been saved were not burned. 

Hefore stating those traditions, howevei-, it deserves special 
mention here that the family of Christoi)lier Tappen, who was 
deputy county clerk and also clerk of the trustees of the corpora- 
tion of Kingston, devoted their entire energies, uixtn the appi'oach 
of tlie British, toward the preservation of the public and corporate 
property in his cliarge, at the expense and loss of all his chattels 
and private papers, Avhich were left behind and consequently rifled 
and destroyed by the liritish. 

Benjamin Low lived opposite the Court House in Wall Street. 
A short time befoi-e the burning of Kingston a well-dressed, gentle- 
manly-looking man on horseback stopped at the door and saw Mrs. 
Low, Mv. Low being away from liome. He wanted to stoja there ; 
said he was sick, and could not go any farther. She told him it 
might not be safe for him to do so, and he might be a British spy. 
lie said he came from Newburgli, and was going to Rochester to 
teach school. His horse was juit out, and he came in, and she 
shov,(>:l him to a room where he could lie down. WJien Mr. Low 
came home and found a strange liorse in the barn he wanted to 
know whose it was. Mrs. Low told him that a man had come 
there, complained of being sick, and she could not turn him away. 
Mr. Low replied, *' He is a British spy, I know he is."' He re- 
mained there a week, and Sfrs. Low doctored and cured him, so 
that he got up and walked round the place and premises. 

One night when Mr. Low came home he said to his wife, 
" Becky, they are going to arrest that man in the morning as a 
spy ; leave the back door unlocked, as they will come very earh^" 
He said he would not sleep any, and when they went to bed he 
spread Mrs. Low's gown out and laid on it. He did get asleep, 
however, and she then slipped her gown from under him and made 
her way quietly upstairs. She found her guest sitting uj) and 
writing ; he had a brace of pistols and a sword lying on the table, 
and his boots standing on the floor at the side of him. As soon as 
he saw lier he came uji to her and said in a whisper, " ^Nfy good 
little Dutchwoman, I am a Biitish spy. I have heard all that 
was said, and will get away and be oif." She said to liim, " Prom- 



312 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

ise me one thing, that you will not burn Kingston." He said he 
could not do that, but he would promise that " that house would 
not be burnt, and the family would not be injured." He told her 
if he got away safe he would write to her. (But she never heard 
from him. ) He offered her a bag of gold, but she refused to take 
it. She then left him and slipped quietly to bed without having 
aroused her husband or being missed by him. 

Very early in the morning the men came, passed very quietly 
up-stairs, to find " the bird flown." They soon came down, 
making a thundering noise. 

As soon as it was known that the British were coming up the 
river the women and children in the family were sent to Hurley. 
After they were there Mrs. Low told her husband that she wanted 
to wash. He told Peter, their colored man, to harness up the 
team and take Mrs. Low to town. While she was at the house a 
woman came in and said the British were on the plains. She tlien 
called Peter, and when he came to the house with the team she got 
in the wagon ; the British were then coming round the church 
corner, firing the buildings as they came. She looked round, and 
recognized the first man on horseback as her lodger. Mrs. Low 
thought their house had not been fired, but had caught by sparks 
from other buildings. 

This statement is given as it was told by INfrs. Low herself to 
her daughter, the mother of Benjamin Newkirk, one of the oldest 
and a highly respected inhabitant of this city. 

This family tradition seems to exjilain the exemption of the 
barn from the general destruction. If that had been fired, consid- 
ering the inflammable material in barns at that season of the year 
in a farming community, it is not probable that it could have 
escaped ; and adjoining the burying-ground, unless the wind was 
from the north, there was no dangerous exposure. 

A woman and her daughter, at the time of the burning of King- 
ston, had been boarding for some time with a widow lady, Mrs. 
Cornelia Low, at her house standing at the southeast corner of 
Wall and John streets. When it became apparent that Kingston 
was the objective point of the British, marked for destruction, and 
Mrs. Low commenced preparations for the removal of her goods, 
this lady told her that she was the wife of a British officer, and 
would stay and protect her property from destruction, and urged 
her not to move anything. Mrs. Low i^laced no confidence in her 
protecting power, and, in the first place, buried the best part of her 
china in the garden. Tlie next day she had a wagon at the door 
loaded with her choicest furniture, and her daughter Catharine on 
horseback, with a tea-caddy containing her silver spoons, ready to 
depart for a place of safety, when her brother John came and in- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 313 

sisted upon putting everything back in the house, saying that he 
did not believe the Britisli would burn the village. 

Mrs. Low and her daughter went to Kyserike to a brother's 
and left everything behind, and this British officer's wife in 
cliai'gc. 

When the red-coats came this woman, true to lier word, pro- 
tested against anything being touched, claiming exemption and 
protecti(m as the wife of a Britisli officer. Her ]ilea was of no 
avail ; they hooted her and said, " You will all claim to be British 
officers' wives now." They seized her chest, drew it into the 
street, broke it open, and rifled it of everything that was valuable ; 
fired the house, and dragged the daugliter away with them, tlie ( 
mother following witli ijcreams and cries. Finally when they -* 
reached the plains, where the Academy now is, they tore the 
eanings out of the daughfer's ears and let her go. 

Tliis statement conies direct, substantially as above related, 
from the grandmother of the writer, who was the person on horse- 
back ready to leave Avith the spoons. 

To digress, it may be said the result of this protection was very 
similar to that of Robert R. Livingston on the opposite side of the 
liver. There were then some sick British officers staying at Mr. 
Livingston's under jiarole and nursed by the family. Wlien the 
British were marauding on that side of the river Mrs. Livingston 
made preparations to remove what goods she could. The officers 
then advised her not to do so, and offered to protect the property. 
She did not feel it safe to rely on their promises. She caused to 
be piled what furniture they could upcm a couple of carts, and the 
last load was not out of sight when she turned around to see the 
dwelling in flames. 

Gratitude and kindness have saved many lives from the toma- 
hawk and scalping-knife, and l)uildings from the savage torch, but 
they made no impression ujion the wearers of the British red-coats 
in that day. 

Some years ago, when improvements had been commenced and 
were in progress upon some of the table-land rising above Ponck- 
hockie, the workmen exhumed, about three feet below the surface, 
twenty-nine six-pound cannon-shot in a heap, and a straggling one 
a sliort distance from the rest. By the l>aUs was a decayed stuni}). 
A few yards from this spot were found four wrought-iron axles of 
a gun carriage, about a foot below tlie surface. The balls were 
coated with rust, and the axles hardly oxidized. 

Those things were found on a table-land somewhat higher than 
the PoiK'kliockie level, and the trace of a l>reastwork at that time 
was distinctly visible. This was undoubtedly the locality of tlie 
breastworks hereinbefore referred to as erected and manned by a 



314 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

few of our militia, and stormed and taken by the detachments 
landing at Ponckhockie. 

It may be a relief from the dull prose of history, and not en- 
tirely inappropriate, to close this chapter with a sliort but beauti- 
ful extract from one of Cooper's novels, " The Pioneers," in which 
his hero, Leatherstocking, after describing the beauties of the 
Otsego Lake and its surroxindings, proceeds to say : " ' I have 
travelled the woods for fifty -three years, and I have made them 
my home for more than forty, and I can say that I have met but 
one place that was more to my liking, and that was only to eye- 
sight and not for hunting or fishing.' 

" ' And where was that ''. ' asked EdAvards. 

" ' Where ! why, up on the Catskills. I ixsed often to go up 
into the mountains after wolves' skins and bears ; once they 
bought me to get a stuffed jiaiuter ; and so I often went. There is 
a place in them hills that I used to climb to when I wanted to see 
the cariyings-on of the world that would pay any man for a barked 
shin or a torn moccasin. You know the Catskills, lad, for you 
must have seen them on your left as you followed the river up 
from York, looking as blue as a piece of clear sky, and holding 
the clouds on their tops as the smoke curls over the head of an 
Indian chief, at a council lire. Well, there is the High Peak and 
the Round Top, which lay back like a father and mother among 
their children, seeing they are far above all the other hills. But 
the place I mean is next to the river, where one of the ridges juts 
out a little from the rest, and where the rocks fall for the best part 
of a thousand feet, so much up and down that a man standing on 
their edges is fool enough to think he can jump from top to 
bottom. ' 

' ' ' What see you wlien you get there ? ' asked Edwards. 

" ' Creation,' said Natty, dropping the end of his rod into the 
water and sweeping one hand around him in a circle ; ' all creation, 
lad. I was on that hill when Vaughan burnt 'Sopus, in the last 
war, and I seen the vessels come out of the Highlands as plain as 
I can see that line scow rowing into the Susquehanna, though one 
was twenty times further from me than tlie other. The river was 
in sight for seventy miles under my feet, looking like a curled 
shaving, though it was eight long miles to its banks. I saw the 
hill in the Hampshire Grants, the highlands of the river, and all tliat 
God had done or man could do as far as eye could reach. You 
know that the Indians named me for my sight, lad, and from the 
flat on the top of that mountain I have often found the place where 
Albany stands ; and as for 'Sopus ! the day the royal troops 
burned the town the smoke seemed so nigh that I thought I coidd 
hear the screeches of the women.' 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTOX. 315 

' It must have been worth the toil, to meet with such a gloii- 
ew; 

" ' If being the best part of a mile in the air, and having men's 
fanus and liouses at your feet, mth rivers looking like ribands, 
and mountains Ijigger than the vision seeming to be haystacks of 
green grass under you gives any satisfaction to a man, I can recom- 
mend the spot.' " 



CHAPTER XIX. 

FROM THE BURNING OF KINGSTON, 1777, TO THE CONCLUSION OF 

THE WAR, 1783. 

LEAVING the sufferers at Kingston for a. time, presumably 
erecting temporary protections for themselves and their fam- 
ilies, the attention of the reader will be called to some movements 
and operations of the military. 

After the burning of Kingston, and as soon as Governor Clin- 
ton's army arrived, he concentrated his forces at Hurley, and his 
plan and intentions are best developed by tlie extracts from letters 
which follow. 

On the 17th of October, 1777, he wrote to General Gates as 
follows : ' * Yestei'day afternoon about four O' clock, the enemy 
took possession of and burned the town of Kingston. For want of 
a proper number of troops no effectual resistance coiald be made. 
I have now the body of men under my command which marched 
from New Windsor to my assistance, and shall immediately pro- 
ceed to the ruins of Kingston, which the enemy have abandoned. 
I have sent off a party of Light Horse to reconnoitre, and shall act 
in such manner as the motions of the enemy may direct. " 

The following is appended to the letter as a postscript : "A 
prisoner, w^ho is by no means intelligent, says that the enemy are 
two thousand strong commanded by Gen Yaughan. ' ' 

On the 18th he wrote from Hurley to General Putnam as fol- 
lows : " I am this moment favored with yours of this morning. 
There is notliing new hapj^ened in this quarter since I wrote you 
yesterday. The enemy is 8 or 10 miles above this burning away. 
But as there are no capital settlements there, on this side the river 
and tlie situation of the country such, as with my present force I 
cannot advance opposite to them with safety to my artillery, I 
mean at jiresent to continue where I now am in front of the most 
valuable settlements and where the stores and effects from Kingston 
are removed. I imagine the enemy will not proceed much higher 
up the river, and that on their return, they will attempt to lay 
waste the places they have passed going \\p, after our trooj^s are 
drawn from them." 

On the 21st of October Governor Clinton wrote to General Gates, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 317 

describing the situation so fully that although quite lengthy, it is 
inserted entire. 

" HuKLEY 2 Miles and a half from Kingston Oct 21 1777 

" Dear Sir 

'• I have repeatedly done myself the Honor to inform you of 
my situation, and think it my duty again to do so, that if any of 
those (;()nse(iuences sliould liappen, whicli may now be easily fore- 
seen, the blame if any may not lie at my door. 

" When I undertook at the request of Gen Putnam, to put 
myself at tlie liead of a body of men to protect the western shores 
of Hudson Itiver, and to throw myself between the enemy and 
your amiy, sliould they proceed up the river, I represented to him 
in strong terms the situation of this part of the country, thinly 
inhabited, and the interior part unsettled, and separated from all 
assistance by a chain of mountains. In consequence of which 
representation, he agreed to let me have 3000 men, if the Eastern 
Militia should come in as he exjiected they would, of which num- 
ber however he hath not sent four hundred. I then clearly 
saw that it would be impossible for me, to protect the country, 
unless I could be reinforced from the Northern Army, -wliich from 
your letter 1 had reason to exx)ect ; I wrote also to Uen Dickinson 
of New Jersey upon the same subject, and I am informed that he, 
notwithstanding the exposed situation of liis o\ra 8tate, has 
ordered six hundred men to my brother's assistance at New Wind- 
sor. Kingston hath been destroyed merely because I have been so 
deceived in my expectations of assistance, that it was impossible 
to take measures for its security. 

'' 1 am now, sir, at the head of little more than one thousand 
men, to cover the most valuable jiart of the county of Ulster. 

'' The enemy have lain still yesterday, and the day before, with 
a strong southerly wind, from whence it is evident, that a knowl- 
edge of Burgoyne's fate hath changed their intentions against 
Albany. If they land in force, I must either retreat, or sacrifice 
my few men and lose seven very valual)le pieces of field artillery. 
If I reti-eat, this whole country wUl be ravaged and destroyed, and 
that at a season of the year when the Inliabitants (who are warmly 
attached to the American cause) will want time to provide cover 
for their families against the inclemencies of the ensuing winter. 

" While we act merely on the defensive, two thousand men on the 
river will find full employment for twelve or fifteen. But if four 
thousand are left to cover Albany, two thousand here, and two 
thousand on the other side of the river, it will be l)y no means 
impracticable, to recover the passes in tlie Higldands, in which 
case the greater part of the army, now along the banks of the river, 



318 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

may be brought to act offensively against the enemy and perhaps 
render the present campaign decisive in our favor. 

" Col. Malcolm, who is the bearer of this letter, will do himself 
the honor of stating and explaining to you my ideas upon this 
subject ; and you will do me a particular favor, if in answer to 
this, you will inform me what I am to expect, and what is expected 
from me. 

" I am Dr Genl with particular esteem 

" Your most obt servant 

" Geo Clinton 
" To the Honbl Maj Gen Oates, Albany.'''' 

If General Vaughan had in truth intended to proceed up the river 
to All)any, the plan was abandoned ujjon receipt of the confirma- 
tory news of Burgoyne's surrender. He then, after having partially 
satiated the cruelty of his nature by burning and destroying what 
residences and private property he could reach, proceeded down 
the river on the 23d of October, and after anchoring over night 
opposite Kingston Point, joined the British forces in the High- 
lands the evening of the 24th. 

After the enemy had thus returned from their marauding ex- 
pedition the troops were withdrawn from this section and pro- 
ceeded to New Windsor. 

The convicted spy, Taylor, was executed by order of the gov- 
ernor at Hurley, in the presence of his troops, on the 18th of 
October. 

The Council of Safety, after the burning of Kingston, convened 
at the house of Andrew Oliver, in Marbletown. The president, 
Pierre Van Cortlandt, and ten members were in attendance. 

After attending to some business in reference to the discharge 
of some prisoners, some under parole and others in confinement, 
they passed the following preamble and resolution : 

" Whereas the late desti'uction of the town of Kingston, and a 
vast number of dwelling houses, improvements, grain, and fodder, 
on each side of Hudson' s river, by a cruel, inhuman, and merciless 
enemy, has deprived many persons and fanulies, the good subjects 
of this State, of shelter and subsistence for themselves and their 
cattle. Calamities which by the blessing of God on the fruits of 
this land, those, who have not shared in so uncommon a misfor- 
tune, are enabled in a great measure to relieve. Resolved therefore 
that it be and it is hereby most earnestly recommended to the 
several and respective general and district committees of the 
Counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Westchester to make or 
cause to be made a proper, and proportionate distribution of the 
aforesaid distressed persons and families and their cattle, to the 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



319 




OLIVEK HOUSE, AT MAhBLtlUVVN. 



end that they may all ))e pio\dded for, as the circumstances of the 
country will pennit ; and it is hereby most strenuously ui'ged on 
all those, who have not shared with them in their atllictions, to 
receive the afcn-esaid persons, families and cattle, and furnish them 
with shelter and subsistence at a moderate price." 

The Council of Safety continued in session at Marbletown for a 
time, when they adjourned to Hurley, lister County. Thi^y held 
regular sessions at Hurley until the 17th of December, when they 
adjourned to Poughkeepsie, where they continued until the 7th of 
January, 1778, when tiie Provincial Convention, consisting of the 
members of the Senate and Assembly of the State, commenced their 
sessions at Poughkeepsie in joint convention. 

The citizens of Kingston, after the l)urning of their homes, 
together with their outbuildings, in which were stored the gather- 
ings of their harvest and their other crt)ps, were, of course, i)ut to 
very great straits in regard to all the comforts of life. Wirhout a 
shelter, except such as might be afforded temporarily through the 



320 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



compassion and hospitality of friends, many built huts and tem- 
porary abodes with the materials they could gather. As the 
buildings originally were principally of stone, and many of them 
with kitchen additions jirojecting out in the rear, some were able 
to finish that i^art off with temi^orary roofs, so as to make them, 
to some extent, comfortable for the winter, others made temporary 
additions or lean-tos against the standing walls, and a few made 
temporary covers or huts in the best way they could for shelter, 



i» r ' *■' ~ 




HOUSE AT HURLEY WHERE COUNCIL OF SAFETY MET. 



making preparations for the restoration of their buildings the fol- 
lowing spring and summer. Judging from the old ruins and old 
neglected cellars, which could be seen in diif event paits of the 
village when the writer was a youth, many buildings after the fire 
were entii-ely abandoned and never rebuilt. 

The winter was employed by those who were able to do so 
in prejiaring timber for permanent reconstruction the ensuing 
year. They had much trouble in procuring boards and neces- 
sary sawed material by reason of their scarcity, and that ex- 
plains a portion of Mr. Livingston's letter, which will soon be 
referred to. 

The committee of Kingston, in order to obtain some relief for 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 321 

the inli;il)itnnts, on the Dtli day of February, 1778, addressed a 
conimuiiicatiuu to the governor as follows : 

" To his ExccUency George Clinton Esq (iorernor and Com- 
mander in Chief of the i^tate of uVew York 
'* The hiiiiilile address of the Committee of Safety and Observa- 
tion of the town of Kiuiiston shews — 

" That in tlie dispute raised between America and the King of 
Great Britain touching and concerning taxation, America held that 
such taxation was unjust and illegal, and unwarranted by the Con- 
stitution of Britain, and soon entered upon and into measures to 
prevent such illegal taxation. Kingston unitedly joined in and 
seconded the measures taken to prevent the expected oppression 
by early eml)arking in the cause of liberty. Their persevering and 
continued exertions in support thereof have undoubtedly incurred 
the bitterest resentment of the enemy, and to vent such resentment 
the expedition up the Noi'th river was determined upon and the 
destruction of Kingston tliereby effected to the great loss and 
da mage of the inhabitants. 

'■ Many of the sufferers would fain build who are discouraged 
by the enoi'uious ])i-ices of mateiials and laboi'. 'I'liey have always 
su]ii)orted tlie cause wifli ])roper spirit, have always submitted to 
the present government, cheerfully turned out their number of 
men on all detacliments and those ordered to be raised to re-enforce 
the army, and always acted with si)irit and resolution whatever 
might be the situation circumstances and difficulties. 

" The committee therefore conceive it to be tlieir indispensable 
duty to address your Excellency in behalf of the sufferers of King- 
ston and ask that your Exc(»llency will be ])leased to interest your- 
self in devising means whereby the poor sufferers may obtain relief. 
Their spirit to rebuild the town is good, but their abilities weak. 
Assistance for that purpose would be exceedingly agreeable and 
greatly revive the drooping spirits of nuiny of the poor sufferers. 

" The Committee may it please your Excellency conclude by 
praying that your PiXcellency will use all your influence and inter- 
est to obtain relief for the j)oor sufferers of Kingston 
" By order of the Couiuiittee 

" Andiues Dp: Witt Junk C/i'n'^ 

To which petition the governor replied as follows : 

" PouGHKEEPSiE 17th Feb'y 1778 
" Andries Be Witt Ji/n Ch' n 

" Sir I have received the address of the Committee of King- 
ston dated the 9th instant respecting the distresses of the inhabit- 
ants of Kingston and the aid required to enable them to rebuild the 



322 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

town. You may rest assured, gentlemen, that whatever may be 
in my power to render them shall not be withheld but most cheer- 
fully afforded. I have already suggested to sundry members of 
the Legislature the propriety of rebuilding the Court house and 
gaol at public expense and have reason to hope it will be done. I 
have likewise mentioned the propriety of exempting such number 
of artificers as shall be necessary from military drafts and duty, 
providing they agree to work at rebuilding the town for reasonable 
wages, which likewise I hope I shall be enabled to do. 

"I am with due respect 

" Your most obed't serv't 

" Geo. Clinton" 

Subsequently orders were issued in military matters on the 
30th of May, and again on the 28d of July, 1778, exempting from 
service in the militia, or upon drafts for the time being, the two 
comjianies of militia of the town of Kingston, and such persons as 
were actually employed in rebuilding the town. 

During the season some were fortunate enough to get their 
houses finished, others completed only a section for habitation, 
some finished off their rear kitchens, leaving the main building 
untouched, and a few abandoned their ruins to their fate. 

The first meeting of which we have any record after the fire was 
the meeting for the annual election of trustees and other officers, 
held on the first Tuesdaj^ of March, 1778, only a few months after 
the lire, at the house of Mr. Tobias Van Steenbergh, Jr. This is 
evidence that that house was then standing. The meetings were 
continued there until the 2d day of October. 

On that day an order was made to have the lead whicli was 
stored in Mr. Low' s barn run into bullets. 

This is looked upon as circumstantial evidence that those two 
buildings were not, in fact, burned. 

As previously stated, for the alleviation of their distress, the 
citizens of Kingston received considerable assistance from abroad. 
The letter of Robert R. Livingston, the Chancellor, referred to 
above, was dated March 1st, 1778, addressed to the trustees of 
Kingston, and was as follows : 

" Gent 

" The inconvenience I daily experience from the destruction of 
my house, and the ravages of the enemy, serve only to increase 
my sympathy with the inhabitants of Kingston, and animate my 
desire, in i^ro portion as they lessen my power, to contribute to 
their relief as liberally as I wish. My inattention to my private 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 323 

affairs for three years past, and the disaffection of my tenants, 
who liave durina; this controversy very generally witlilicld their 
rents, jnit it out of my power to contribute, what might i)erhaps 
be of more immediate use to my distressed friends at Kingston. 
Yet. T flaricr myself, that my prestmt pi-oi)Osal may meet with 
their ap])robation, and be attended Avitii permanent advantage, and 
in this view I am induced to make it. I mean a grant of 5000 
acres of land, m any i)art of Har(lenl>ergh"s patent, that falls to 
my share — which I promise to make to tlie Trustees for the use of 
the Inhabitants thereof under the folhnving restrictions. 1st to be 
ta]\en in a regular scpiare, 2nd not to be located in Woodsto(!k or 
Sliandaken, nor at any other place, on which a settlement has been 
m;ide, — and that tht; location be made within three months from 
the date hereof, and a survey returned in order to perfect the 
grant. This land the Trustees will dispose of, in such way as will 
l)e most advantageous to the suffering iuiialiitants of Kingston. 

" As I have been informed, that many of them have been dis- 
appointed in not bf'ing ahle to procure boaids, I have })revailed 
u]i(m my mother, to suffer Mr Saxe to dispose of all but hci- third, 
which she reserves for her own use. I shall be happy if this, or 
aiiytliiiig else in my power can in the least contribufe to the ease 
oi- (•()U\-enience of tliose whose attention to me early in life entitles 
tlieiu to my friendsliip, and who are more endeared, by the gener- 
ous cause in which they suffer 

" 1 am Gentlm with great regard 

" Your most obedt Hum Servt 

" RoKT R Livingston" 

Tile jireceding letter of Mr. Livingston was read at the meeting 
of the trustees of Kingston held at the house of Tobias Van Steen- ._ 
bergh, Jr., cm Fridsiy, the 27th day of March, 1778, and it was 
thei'eupon " Ordered that Mr Cockl)urn be requested to attend 
this Board, in order to enable the Trustees to make the location of 
the hinds contained in the above grant." 

Mr. Cockl)uin atteuded with a map of the Hardenbergh Patent, 
when it was resolved that the location of the said lands be nuule 
eitlifM- f)n the Sciiohai'ie Kill, or between the Packatakan briuicli 
and the Delaware or Fislikill, in Lots Nos. '.i'.) and 40, or in such 
otlier ]ilace as a committee to be appointed for that pui-pose shall 
judge most valuahle in (piality and siluatiim. 

Mr. Henry Jansen ami Mr. Philij) lloughteling, two of the 
trustees, were appointed a committee to view and locate the lands 
to be donated by Mr. Chancellor Livingston, and employ Mr. 
Cockburn to survey the same. 

At a meeting of the trustees held on the 12th day of February, 



324 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

1779, the speaker stated that the chancellor had requested that the 
live thousand acres to be donated should be located as early as 
practicable. 'J'lie ti'ustees at once ordered that Mr. Cockburn be 
reqiiested to attend with his map in order to make the location. 
Accordingly, at the iiext meeting, on the Wth day of April, 1779, 
Mr. Cockburn attended with a map of the Great Patent, and after 
full consultation with Mr. Cockburn, Peter Dumont, Jr., and 
Peter Hynpagh, they located the tract at a place called the Platte- 
kill, near Packatakan, in Great Lots Nos. 89 and 40. And Mr. 
TapjDen was designated to draw the deed and wait on his honor the 
chancellor thei'ewith for execution. 

At a meeting of the trustees on the 18th day of October, 1782, 
a deed was received, duly executed by the Hon. Robert R. Livings- 
ton to the trustees, for five thousand acres of land, as located by 
them as before stated, as a donation to the suifering inhabitants of 
Kingston. The deed was at once ordered to be accepted, and a 
letter of thanks prepared and sent to the said Hon. Robert R. 
Livingston for his benevolence. 

The tiustees by resolution directed Mr. Tapped, their clerk, to 
inquire by letter of Chancellor Livingston what character of suf- 
ferers he designed to benefit by his real estate donation. The re- 
ply does not api^ear in the records, but on the 19th day of June, 
1786, tlie trustees by resolution appointed Andries De Witt, 
Edward Schoonmaker, and Benjamin Low a committee " to make 
a list and estimate of the persons entitled to ami having an interest 
in the donation of lands made by Chancellor Livingston to the 
Inhabitants and residents of this town, who are the sufferers in the 
late conflagration of the said town." 

Subsequently, under the direction of the trustees, the tract was 
divided into fifty-acre lots, and then arranged into ten classes of 
ten lots each. Ilie allotment of the several classes is set forth in 
the Appendix, as giving an official statement of the greater part of 
the heads of families who suffered at the conflagration. It evi- 
dently does not include all, as there were more than one hundred 
sufferers. 

Notwithstanding the trials through which the town of Kingston 
had passed, we find their patriotism and zeal in the cause of their 
beloved country was neither mitigated nor abated, for at the annual 
election of trustees held on the first Tuesday of March, 1 779, little 
more than a year after their town had been laid in ashes, the 
trustees-elect immediately qualified, and at once ' ' Ordered that the 
Treasurer deliver to Edward Schoonmaker one thousand two hun- 
dred pounds to put in the Continental loan office and procure a 
certificate for the same." 

After the surrender of Burgoyne and the burning of Kingston, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 325 

Sir ircniy Clinton hastilj'' abandoned his marauding expedition 
and returned to New York, and tlins ended the operations of tlie 
15ritish regnhii' troops in this vieiinty. Ihit I'lstei' County was 
not thereby relieved entirely from the horrors of bloody strife. 
Tile Indian allies of the British, and the Tory blood-hounds, stirr(Hl 
up by Uritisli emissaries, were constantly nienacinj^- the border 
settlements, which required continual watching and action. Al- 
though but little humanity and much brutality during that war 
was exhibited under cover of the British red-coat, still, that was 
not to be compared with the brutality of the Tories, who, covering 
tliemselves with war paint in imitation of the savage warriors, 
appeared thereby to div3st themselves of every vestige of humanity, 
and to aim at throwing the brutality and heartlessness of the In- 
dian far in the shade. Sometimes a feeling of humanity was 
aroused, as in the case of Brant, when in one of his raids he found 
a nund)er of helpless school (diildren in terror, weeping around 
the corpse of their nuirdered school-mistress ; he dashed his ex- 
emption mark of bliick ])aint upon the clothing of each one of 
them, and told them to hold that up when an Indian apjieared, 
and they would not be harmed. Then witli a savage war-whoop 
he inshed into the woods. Many Indiatis passed, but the children 
remained uninjured. 

Search will be made in vain for a similar tale in reference to 
any one of tli(» paint-bedau])ed Toi'ies. The hatred of tlieii' conntry 
and of tlieir liberty-loving countrymen appeared to have blunted all 
the finer feelings of their nature. Tradition gives a tale of a Tory 
and an Indiiin in one of these raids. Having entered a house, they 
found a child sleeping sweetly in a cradle. The infant's snule in its 
sleep made the Indian draw back and withhold the intended blow 
with the tomahawk ; but the Tory, marking the hesitation of the 
Indian, stepped forward, and in a single blow (dave the skull of the 
sleeping innocent. 

Some of them in the hypocritical guise of friends served as spies 
for the Indians, to gain knowledge and carry infomiation to their 
savage fiiends in order to facilitate deadly raids, and to designat-e 
the proposed victims and the most favorable time, so that in the 
bolder settlement no man was safe who ojienly advocated the 
piiucipies t)f liberty, and indeed even to disclose them in ])iivate. 
Such were some of the hardships under which the war lor inde- 
pendence was prosecuted. The following is given as an example : 
In 1777, ill the vicinity of Pine Bush, in the town of Rochester, 
near the extreme northern bf)rder of the town, three families re- 
sided in the neigjiborhood of eacii other, respectively named Baker, 
Miller, and Sliuiter. Shurter was one day approached and charged 
with being a Tory ; he denied it, and gave sti-ong assurances of at- 



326. HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tacliment to the cause of freedom. Not many days elapsed before 
the report of firearms was heard in tliat vicinity, and soon the 
smoke and flames of several conflagrations were seen ascending 
heavenward. The neighboring townsmen rushed to the scene to 
find the houses and outbuildings in flames or in ashes, Shurter lying 
in one place with his brains dashed out, Miller in another perfo- 
rated with bullets. Baker was never found or heard of, probably 
carried away for torture to enliven some of the midnight savage 
orgies. 

Scarcely a year passed during the entire Revolutionary War but 
the border settlements of Ulster County were visited to a greater 
or less extent by these savage raids. In the early part of the war 
they were not conducted under any organized expedition, but were 
carried on by small predatory bands of Indians, with Tory allies, for 
marauding and robbing puiposes, and to procure scalps for redemp- 
tion by British heroes. Many sensational stories have been written 
in reference to those raids, but a few only will be noticed here. 
None of them actually reached the territory of Kingston, but the 
assistance of its inhabitants was necessary in furnishing money and 
troops for protection. Block-houses were built, and liouses in 
suitable localities in the neighborhood of settlements picketed and 
turned into forts, as places of refuge for the inhabitants in case of 
danger. Patrol parties were constantly kept out scouring the woods 
as a protection against surprises, to whom the block-houses and 
forts afforded necessary shelter. Yet notwithstanding all these 
precautions the wily savages frequently eluded their vigilance. 
During the early period of the war, and until the fall of 1777, 
when the defeat and capture of Burgoyne put an end to the hopes 
of British victories in that quarter, the British had drawn their 
Indian allies to their assistance in the northern part of the State 
and along the northern frontier settlements. But after that, in 
1778 and 1779, expeditions under Brant and Johnson were organ- 
ized for havoc and destruction along the borders of Ulster and 
Orange. 

In the fall of 1778 Brant, with a band of Indians and Tories, 
appeared on the frontiers of the county of Ulster and cariied dis- 
may through the settlements. The inhabitants with their families 
rushed to the interior, and to the forts, block-houses, and other 
places of safety. The approach of the savages was heralded by the 
burning of buildings and the screams of the unfortunates who had 
found no place of safety. 

One of the forts in the valley on the west of the Sha^vangunk 
Mountains was called Port (lumaer. Captain Cuddeback, who 
was in charge, had only nine men with him besides the women and 
children who had come there for protection. Feeling that his 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 327 

force was not snfTicient to resist an attack by the savages, he re- 
sorted to a ruse for a disphiy of strength. The fort being on a 
plateau having a conmianding view for a considerable distance all 
around, he dressed up the women who were with him with hats 
and coats so as to resemble men, and armed them with guns and 
sticks. As soon as the Indians appeared in tlie distance he paraded 
his whole force in Indian tile outside, and in full view of the distant 
Indians marched from the rear to the front of the fort, and enter- 
ing the fort, at once closed the barriers and made preparations for 
defence. The Indians passed them by without attack, simply 
filing a few shots u])on their onward march, witliout injury to any 
one, and continuing tlieir depredations and destruction as they 
proceeded. 

The next yeai'. 1779, Brant made another iiu'ursion, and during 
that raid occurred the celebrated battle of Minisink, in which so 
many of the citizens of (roshen were slaughtered, and to whose 
memory an ajipropriate and fine monument adorns the public 
square in that village. 

These raids, together with the horrible massacre in the Wyom- 
ing Valley in 177S, exhibited to the (H)mmander-in-chief the neces- 
sity of summary Indian punishment to break their power for evil 
and protect the inhabitants of the border territory. Accordingly 
an expedition was org-anized for that jiurpose, and the command 
intrusted to General John Sullivan. The expedition consisted of 
four brigades, including General James Clinton's brigade, which 
comprised four JS'ew York regiments. 

The Second New York Regiment, under command of Colonel 
Philip \'an Cortlandt, was in camp at Wawarsing, and on May 
4th struck their tents under orders of march to Wyoming. When, 
about starting the colonel discovered smoke ascending in a soutlierly 
direction, and received a messenger with information that the 
Indians were at a settlement about six miles distant, Fantine Kill, 
which they were burning and destroying. Colonel Van Cortlandt 
at once marched to their relief. He found Brant was there with 
about one hundred and fifty Indians, but on the approach of Colonel 
"\'an Cortlandt he with his followers tied to the mountains. In that 
raid by the Indians the widow of Isaac Bevier and her two sons were 
killed, also the entire family of Michael Socks, consisting of seven 
or eight persons. 

The Indians had also attacked the house of Jesse Bevier, but the 
inmates succeeded in defending themselves until relieved by Colonel 
Yiin t'ortlandt. On the 7th of ^lay the regiment again struck 
their tents and marched to join the rest of the expedition. 

In three weeks' time the expedition broke the strength and com- 
pletely subdued the tribes of the hostile Indians, so that they sued 



328 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

for peace and the burial of the hatchet. Predatory bands still 
loitered I'ound in small numbers, robbing and murdering where 
they could, even until some time after the close of tlie Revolutionary 
struggle. They were not the representatives of any tribe, but vir- 
tually outlaws and outcasts, generally aided and assisted by their 
painted Tory associates. 

In 1780 there Avas an Indian known by the synonym of " Shanks 
Ben" hovering about the frontier with a few Indian followers and 
bloodthirsty Tories. He was tlie terror of tlie country, and always 
succeeded in evading pursuit and capture. Negroes he never 
injured unless by some si^ecific act they aroused his anger, but woe 
to tlie white man or woman who came within his power. 

In 1780 Johannis Jansen, who was a colonel appointed in the 
early period of the war in command of a regiment of Ulster County 
nulitia, and who had rendered service to his country as such, was at 
home at his farm residence in Shawangunk. The house was a 
lai'ge stone one, with a wing containing the kitchen, and standing 
on the north side of the road upon a slight elevation above the flat 
skirting the Shawangunk Mountains. Early one Monday morning, 
in the warm season of the year, when he had gone to his barn, he 
discovered some Indians and a Tory prowling around. He at once, 
being unarmed, rushed toward the house, and they after him, but 
did not Are for fear of alarming the neighborhood. When he 
reached the house he was almost within their grasp. But he suc- 
ceeded in getting inside of the kitchen and slamming tlie door 
shut, but could not fasten it. He held it shut against the Indian 
force by pressing against it with his arms and head. One of the 
Indians then seized a broad-axe which lay near and gave blow 
after blow upon the door. The door, with Colonel Jansen' s 
strength, still withstood the battering. The colonel then called 
upon his wife to get him liis gun and pistols. The Indians then 
left the door, and the colonel step])ed into the main building, 
closed the door behind him, and with his gun and pistols awaited 
their entrance. 

They entered the kitchen, ransacked that and the cellar, but 
imide no attempt to enter the main buikling. A young lady from 
New York, Avho was stopping in the neighborhood with a connection 
of liers and wlio was engaged to do some spinning, came to com- 
mence her work while the Indians were in possession of the kitchen, 
and on entering it she was immediately seized and taken prisoner, 
and they, of course, were deaf to all her entreaties for release. 

A young man by the name of Scott was stopping at Mr. Jansen' s 
at the time, and had left the house befoi-e the Indians arrived. 
Mrs. Jansen, who was up-stairs, called loudly to Miss Hardenbergh, 
who was in another room, and inquired where Scott was. Miss 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 329 

Hardenbergh replied in :i Umd voice that he had gone to Mr. 
Sparlvs's. Tlie Iiidiaiis overlicjiring the (jiiestion and n^jily, and 
Isiiowiiig tliat S})aris.s was a near neiglil)or, suspected that he liad 
gone for assistance. They at once gathered their booty, drove some 
of the negroes before them, and dragging the lady captive with tliein 
escaped to the mountain. 

The attacking party consisted of "Shanks Ben," thive otlier 
Indians, and a Tory painted in Indian style. 

On their retreat, after putting an end to the cries and screams 
of their lady captive with the tomahawk, they proceeded up the 
mountain, and when near the siimmit saw a party (consisting of an 
old man by the name of Mentz, his sou and daughter. 'I'liey suc- 
ceeded in capturing and murdering the old man and his (hiughter, 
but the son escaped by jumping down a precipice. With a spi'ained 
ankle and mucli pain he reached Colonel Jansen's, where lie found 
a number of the neighbors assembled. Tiiey at once started uj) the 
mountain, and found the murdered victims on the mountain-top ; 
but tli(^ Tory and liis Indian allies escajied theii- vengeance. 

Duiing the Itevolutionary struggle ('aptain Jen^nnah Snyder 
witli ills family resided near the Kaatsban Church, in the north- 
erly i)art of the tlien town of Kingston. Some'time in the year 
177!) he, with his son Elias and three others, were out upon a 
scouting party ransacking the neighborhood in quest of Tories, and 
to ascertain whether any enemies were ])rowling around. In the 
course of their wandering Captain Snyder and Anthony Van 
Schaack became separated from the rest of the party. They moved 
along very cautiously through the forest, but for some time saw no 
living creature. At length jxissing under the brow of a clilf, they 
were suddenly startled by the discharge of musketry, and five bullets 
l)enetrated the earth near the person of tlie captain. They looked 
u]) and saw the enemy on tlie top of the rock, who oi-dered them to 
lay down their arms ; but as their muskets were discharged, they 
preferred the chances of escape. They ran for their lives, and both 
escaped unhurt, although in all thirteen deliberate shots were tired 
at them. 

'i'he next year, 178(), the Indian, " Shanks Ben," wlio tigured in 
tlie attack upon Colonel .lansen as before related, was with a num- 
ber of liis Indian ami Tory followers on a marauding expeilition 
tlirough the mountains. On the Gth of May they came suddenly 
upon Captain Snyder and his son Elias when they were working 
in a field near tlie homestead. Snyder and his son at once started 
on a run to escajM', but they soon found their escape cut off by 
the enemy apiieaiing in eveiy direction and surrendered. Captain 
Snyder surrendered to John Runnip, one of the pursuing party, at 
which the flanking party were very wroth, thinl<ing they were 



330 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

entitled to his capture. A rule existed among the Indians that 
the one who first laid hands on a prisoner or obtained his scalp 
should be entitled to the rewai'd from the British Government. A 
dispute as to the right was generally terminated by the death of 
the prisoner. The leader of the Hanking party, being thus disap- 
pointed, advanced in a threatening attitude and struck his toma- 
hawk at the head of the captain, but fortunately it glanced off and 
made only a deep cut near the ear. Runnip interfered, and event- 
ually saved the captain's life. 

After the capture they all proceeded to the house, which they 
found deserted, the family having sought shelter and a hiding- 
place in the woods. They made a general sack of the premises. 
The buildings were then fired, and the marauding party with their 
plunder set oiat for the mountains, carrying the captain and Elias 
away with them as prisoners. This occurred within four or five 
hundred yards of the residence of a Tory, who saw what he deemed 
sport, and kept out of hearing of any cry for help. The Indians 
and Tories proceeded with their captives and booty, crossing the 
Cauterskill where Palenville now stands. They passed to the south 
of Pine Orchard between two lakes, and thence to the east branch 
of the Schoharie Kill, which they crossed, and there bivouacked for 
the night. 

The next morning the Tories and Indians separated, the former 
taking the Continental money and guns, of which they had robbed 
the captain, while the Indians proceeded with the captives and the 
rest of the booty on their Journey for Niagara, under the leadership 
of Runnip, who assumed the command. On the 9th of May they 
ascended a lofty peak of the mountains where the snow, compact 
and hard, still lay four feet deep ; toward sunset they reached the 
east branch of the Delaware River. 

Two of the Indians then set off for Poghatoghhon (Middletown) 
in quest of potatoes, which the settlers, in their haste to abandon 
the country the fall previous, had left in the ground, and which 
were found to be still in a good state of preservation. Four other 
Indians proceeded to fell an elm-tree for a bark canoe, and two 
others were left in charge of the captives. 

An Indian bark canoe was soon built. The process was as fol- 
lows : After the elm was felled the bark was ripped up to the 
length of the proposed canoe. The Indians then removed it with 
the utmost care from the ti'unk to prevent its bursting, after which 
they chipped off the rough outside so as to make it pliable, and 
bent it over, the inside out, with stays of green withes fastened to 
the bottom and sides in the manner of ribs to preserve the shape. 
A spot on each side near one end was pared away so as to double 
up, and this being done, it assumed the fonn of a bow with a sharp 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 331 

point. 'Pile stem was constructed in the same way. To prevent 
leak:iu-tf at the donMiiins and knot-holes they jiounded slippcry 
elm bark into a jelly and calked them. After constructing their 
canoe in this way, and making their paddles by splitting a small 
white ash-tree, the eight Indians and tlieir jnisoners embarked 
therein the ne.Kt day, Weiluesday, and drifted down tlie east Ijranch 
of the Delaware to Shehawcon (now Hancock), at the junction of 
the two branches of the Delaware. At this place they abandoned 
their canoe and continued tlieir journey westward on foot. After 
marching a few miles, llunnip, one of the Indians, was seized with 
a violent attack of the fever and ague, which detained them until 
the next morning. At noon on Saturday they struck the Susque- 
hanna about si.xty miles above Tioga Point. Here one of the 
Indians killed a rattlesnake and brought it to Runnip. '' He 
skinned it, cleaned it, choj)ped it up in snudl pieces, made a soup 
of it, drank the soup and ate the flesh — and was a well man.'''' 

Here they constructed another bark canoe and floated down the 
current to Tioga Point. There they left the canoe and marched 
along the banks of the Cliemung Kiver. They passed the breast- 
work which tlie Indians had tlirown u]) to resist the invasion of 
(reneral Sullivan, and b(>tweenthat and the Genesee Flats Runnip 
pointed out two moiuuls which were alongside the path, and which 
were the graves of a scouting party of thirty-six men belonging 
to Sullivan's army which had been intercepted ami killed by the 
Indians. At the Genesee Flats they met John Young and Freder- 
ick Rowe, two Tories from Saugerties, on their way to the frontier 
in com])any with Indians. Young had lived a number of years 
within a mile of Captain Snyder's. 

Tiie Indians again resumed the journey with their prisoners, 
and linally delivered them over to the British at Fort Niagara. 
After si)ending some time in captivity, first at Niagara, then at 
Montreal, and afterward on an island in the St. Lawrence, they 
made their escape and reached home shortly before the close of the 
war. 

The five Continental regiments which weie raised in the State 
of New York in the early part of the war nuide a record which 
shoidd be ap])ro])riately noticed. In them wei'e offi<'ers and troops 
from Kingston, as well as other ])ortions of Ulster County. 

The first, tliird, and fourth of the regiments were at Saratoga 
under Gates in 1777, and a portion of them at the forts in the 
Highlands under James Clintou. In July, 1778, the five regiments 
were brigaded under General James Clinton. In 1779 the third 
regiment, under (reneral Clinton, formed a part of the expedition 
against the Six Nations. They were consolidated in two regiments 
on the 1st of January, 1781. 



332 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Of those regiments Mr. Ruttenber, in an address before the His- 
torical Society at Newburgh, said: "In tlieir ranks were those 
who had borne the banner Excelsior from Quebec to Yoi'ktown. 
"Returning from the latter they were conspicuous in tlie entertain- 
ment of our French allies at Peekskill. As a part of tlie right 
wing (Gen Gates) 2nd Division Gen St Clair, First Brigade Col 
Cortlandt, they took up quarters in the New Windsor encampment 
in November 1782. They had long been and continued to be the 
pride of the State — the pride of the Army — the pride of Baron 
Steuben — the pride of Washington, who in 1782 wrote thus, ' The 
commander in chief cannot conceal the pleasure he receives from 
linding the two regiments of New York in the best order possible, 
by the report of the Inspector General, which also concurs with his 
own observation.' " 

There does not appear to be any specific record of what services 
were rendered in the war l)y the citizens of the town of Kingston 
after the destruction of their village, and after the scene of the war 
was removed from tlieir immediate locality ; still, they were not ex- 
empt from the trials of the conflict, nor from impending and appre- 
hended dangers. 

At a meeting of the trustees held on tlie 12tli day of January, 
1781, the following resolution was passed and adopted : 

On motion of Mr. De Witt, seconded by Mr. Tappen, after recit- 
ing " That as tlie frontier parts of this county are at present with- 
out any troops, and no prospect to have them supplied l)y men, 
before the next campaign, or even then, and consequently the 
enemy may make such inroads into the interior of the country as 
they may see cause 

' ' Therefore Resolved, that a petition be presented to the Hon 
Legislature now convened at the city of Albany, praying for a 
sufficient number of troops to defend the frontier parts of this 
county." 

At the next ensuing meeting of the trustees held on the 19th 
day of January, 1781, a petition to the Legislature, which had been 
prepared by Mr. Tapjien under the dii'ection of the preceding order, 
was presented, adopted, and signed by the trustees. As the peti- 
tion I'ecites at considerahle length the warlike services they had 
been called upon to perform since the conflagration, it is inserted 
entire, as follows : 

" To the Hon or able the Senate and Assembly of the State of New 

York in Legislature convened 

"The Petition of the Ti-ustees of the Freeholders and Com- 
monalty of the town of Kingston in Ulster Couuty for themselves 
and the Inhabitants of the said town Humbly Sheweth 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOIf. 338 

" That your Petitioners, inhabitants residing in and near the 
Western fiontier jiart of this County, liave durini;: the conrse of 
tliis unliappy war, by tlie freqnent incui'sions of the Enemy, been 
extremely harassed and many actually reduced to great want and 
poverty 

"That your petitioners, during tlie course of tliis war, have 
clearly furnished their quota of men and supplies required of them, 
as well for the service of the Tnited Army, as for this i^tate in 
particuhir, that exclusive of this service they have by draft out of 
the nulitia in rotation kept up a guard for a length of time for the 
defence of the frontiers. 

" That to ease the militia from their monthly classes, in the 
course of the last campaign when by an act of the Legislatui'e they 
were required to raise levies to re-enforce the army of the United 
States, they by the advice of his Ex the (rovernor of this State, at 
great expense raised one third more of the number of men than 
was required of them for the pui-pose of protecting their frontiers ; 
by these exertions and by the aid of divine Providence, they partly 
rejyelled, and partly escaped the cruelties of a barbarous enemy, 

" Permit your Petitioners to add, that though willing to sup- 
]iort the cause of their injiiivd country, in which they have so early 
embarked, yet if unassisted, iiud themselves unal)le to withstand 
the shock of another campaign, which they have reason to appre- 
hend may be levelled at this and the adjacent towns of this county, 
liaving already completed the ruin and devastation of a great part 
of the Western frontiers of this State. Your petitioners naturally 
conclude themselves the next victims of their rage. And whether 
the fertility of their soil, and richness of their crops is considered, 
or whether their steady and distinguished opposition to the Engines 
of Tyranny is rememliered, they equally apjiear additional motives 
of revenge to an implacable foe. Satisfied that the lion Legisla- 
ture will be equally solicitous for their preservation and Safety 

" The prayer of your Petitioners thereof is, that a sufficient 
number of trooi)s may be jirovided for the defence of the Frontier 
parts of this county — and your Petitioners as in duty bound will 
ever pray" etc. 

On the 12th of March, 1781, the trustees, deeming it advisable 
to act for their own protection and not depend entirely upon out- 
side assistance, ordered that four men be employed to range the 
woods in order to discover whether any of their enemies were on the 
frontiers. The route to be covered by the scouts was to be the 
border line extending from the Hurley bounds to the bounds of 
Albany at the expense of the trustees. 

At the same meeting it was " ordered that Mr. Benjamin Low run 
the lead he has in his possession into bars, and sell the same to all 



334 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

persons who are within the township and are well attached to the 
liberties of their country ; but not exceeding three pounds to one 
person, at sixpence per pound." 

The trustees then also directed Captain Van Buren to cause the 
cannon and lield-pieces belonging to the town to be put in good 
order at the expense of the trustees. Before the adjournment the 
trustees made an arrangement with Peter Hynpagh and Isaac 
Dumont to range the west half of the route at six shillings a day 
in sijecie or grain, the trustees to find jarovisions. 

The inhabitants of the town, fearful of attacks from Indians and 
Tories, were anxious to prepare for defence against them. There 
were so many emissaries of Great Britain still around that they felt 
at all times unsafe. Accordingly it appears that at a meeting of the 
trustees held cm the 3d day of April, 1781, a committee of the in- 
habitants of tlie town waited upon the trustees, to inform them 
" that they were about devising ways and means to fortify the town 
against the common enemy, and that for that purpose it would re- 
quire a quantity of timber for stockades, and tliey were informed 
Mr. Jacobus Van Gaasbeek would sell a parcel of pine-trees for that 
purpose." The trustees thereupon resolved to pay Mr. Van Gaas- 
beek the sum adjudged to be the value of tlie trees, not exceeding 
three hundred in number. 

On the 16th of April the trustees sent Mr. Abraham Low to a 
Mr. Winers for one hundred and fifty or two hundied-weiglit of 
gunpowder at the expense of the trustees. 

On the 4th of June the trustees appointed Messrs. Elmendorf, 
De Witt, and Van Buren a committee to consult witli Colonel 
Johannis Snyder in resjject to the defence of tlie town. 

It will thus be perceived that the citizens were kept continually 
on the qui 'oive for protection against their savage enemies of the 
red and paint-bedaubed sj)ecies. 

The battles of the war between the hostile armies subsequent to 
the capture of Burgoyne occurred in other portions of the confed- 
eracy, but Ulster County, including Kingston, throughout the 
wliole period, and until tlie last shot was fired and peace proclaimed, 
furnished their full quota of men and materials for the support and 
defence of their country. 

The capture of Burgoyne, speedily followed by the acknowledg- 
ment of the independence of the United States by France, and the 
formation of an alliance between the two countries on the 6th of 
Februarj', 1778, dissipated every cloud of doubt in regard to the 
ultimate result of the war. The fleet and armies of France were 
soon battling side by side with ours for the triumph of the right. 
It was not long thereafter that, decisive victories perching upon 
the allied banners, England was forced to give up the contest. 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTOTf. 



335 



On the 16th of November, 1782, Kingston was honored by a 
visit from General Washington, on his way, by a circuitous route, 
from New Jersey to West Point. After passing tlie night of the 
inrh with his companion-in-arms. Colonel Cornelius Wynkoop, at 
his homestead at Stone Ridge, wliicli is still standing nnaltered, and 
was for many years the residence of .lolm Lounsbury, lie proceeded 
on his way to Kingston. At Hurley he was greeted by an enthusi- 




COLOXEL WYNKOOP 5 HOUSE. 



astic ci'owd, and the following address of welcome was delivered to 
him b}' President Ten Eyck : 

" Tlie humble address of the Trustees of the Freeholders and 
fnhdbitants of tlie town of Hurlei/ 
" To his Exci'llcnrif Ceorf/e WdshiiKjton General and Commander 

ill ('liief (f the American Anny itc 

'• Sill We, the Trustees of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of 
the town of Hurley, beg leave to approach your Excellency with 
heaits deeply sensible of the signal ser\ices yon have rendered our 
common country, by a condiict, resolution, and courage so happily 
combined, and so dignified by the noblest virtues, that the latest 
posterity shall revere you as the protector of the country. Silence 
must muse our gratitude (for the power of language cannot display 
it) to the Supreme Being who has been graciously pleased to ap- 



336 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



point a person of youi* Excellency's virtue and ability, to be his 
happy instrument of rescuing these United States from the many 
dangers with which they have been threatened by a cruel and 
powerful enemy. We cannot refrain from joining in the universal 
applause that awaits such distinguished merit. 

" May your Excellency enjoy the greatest possible blessings 
that heaven can bestow ; may you always be crowned with success ; 




HUKLEY HOLSE. 

may your illustrious exploits and undertakings for the public good 
be productive of a speedy, pennanent and honorable peace ; and 
after living a blessing to mankind, be rewarded with endless hap- 
piness in the mansions of the righteous 

" By order of the Trustees 

"Matthew Ten Eyok Speaker 
" Hurley Nov 1782 " 

His Excellency, General Washington, replied, as follows : 

" Gentlemen 

" I return you my thanks for this very flattering mark of your 
esteem, and exceedingly regret that the duties of my station will 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 337 

permit me to make but so short a stay among a people, from wliorn 
I liave received the wannest proofs of regard, and t'( >r whose char- 
acter I entertain the liigliest respect. 

" It is peculiarly jdeasing to me to find that my conduct lias 
nierited the approbation of my fellow citizens. If my endeavors 
shall have contilbuted to the freedom and independence of my 
country, that consolation wUl more than am])ly rei)ay all my 

labour. 

" Geo Washixgtox 

" Hurley Nov 1782 

" To the Trustees of the Freeholders and Inhahitants of the town 

of Hurley'' 

The general with his staff then proceeded to Kingston. On his 
arrival there he was met by the trustees of Kingston and a large 
body of citizens, preceded by Henry J. Sleght, the speaker or pre- 
siding ofTicer of the trustees, who in behalf of the trustees presented 
to him the following address : 

" We the Trustees of the Freeholdei's and Commonalty of the 
town of Kingston, for ourselves and in behalf of those we repre- 
sent, l)eg leave, with the most unfeigned love and esteem, to con- 
gratulate your Excellency on your ariival in this i)lace 

" To a People, whose principles of Liberty were early decided, 
and wliose actions have been correspondent, the appearance of a 
character among them, wlio by his wisdom has directed, and by 
his fortitiuie has led the armies of America to victory and success, 
affords a joy more sensibly felt than is in the power of language to 
express. While Sir we take a retrospect of the past campaigns, in 
every vicissitude of the war we observe your Excellency exhibit 
the most steady patriotism, the most undaunted courage ; and 
while as a consequence of this the miuistry are sunk into negotia- 
tion and their aruiies into inaction, we trust, it is our prayer, that 
the same benign Providence which has hitherto guided will enable 
you speedily to terminate the present contest in the unmolested 
Glory and Freedom of this extended Enipii-e. When that day 
shall arrive, and the welfare of your country prevail, may you 
tlien exchange the fatigues of the cauqi for the sweets of domestic 
retirement, may your well e;u'ned fame run parallel witli time and 
your felicity last through eternity." 

To which Ms Excellency made the following reply : 

" Your polite and friendly reception of me proves your sin- 
cerity 

■' While I view with indignation the marks of a wanton and 
cruel enemy, I perceive with the highest satisfaction that the he^vvy 



338 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

calamity which befell this flourishing settlement, seems but to have 
added to the patriotic spirit of its inhabitants ; and that a new 
towii is fast rising out of the ashes of the old 

" That you and your worthy constituents may long enjoy that 
freedom for which you have so nobly contended is the sincere 
wish of 

" Gentlemen — Your most obedient humble servant 

" GrEO Washington" 

The Consistory of the church in Kingston also united with their 
fellow-citizens in bidding the great hero welcome, and delivered to 
him tlie following address : 

" SiE — Amidst the general joy which instantly pervaded all 
ranks of People here on hearing of your Excellency' s arrival to 
this place 

" We the Minister Elders and Deacons of the Protestant Re- 
formed Dutch Church in Kingston participated in it, and now beg 
leave with the greatest respect and esteem to hail your arrival. 

' ' The experience of a number of years past has convinced l^s, 
that your wisdom, integrity and fortitude have been adequate to 
the arduous task your country has imj)osed iipon you ; never have 
we in the most perilous of times known your Excellency to de- 
spond, nor in the most prosperous to slacken in activity, but with 
the utmost resolution persevere until by the aid of the Almighty 
you have brought tis this year to Independence Freedom and 
Peace. 

" Permit us to add, that the loss of our religious rights was 
partly involved in that of our civil, and your being instrumental in 
restoring the one, affords us a haj^py presage that the Divine Being 
will prosper your endeavors to promote the other. 

" When the sword shall be sheathed and Peace re-established, 
and whenever it is the Will of Heaven that your Excellency has 
lived long enough for the purposes of nature, then may you enter 
triumphantly thro' the Blood of the Lamb into the regions of bliss, 
there to take possession of that Crown of Glory, the reward of the 
virtuous and which fadeth not away." -::, 

To which address his Excellency replied, as follows : 

" Gentlemen — I am happy in receiving this public mark of the 
esteem of the ^Minister Elders and Deacons of the lleformed Prot- 
estant Dutch Church in Kingston 

' ' Convinced that our religious liberties were as essential as 
our civil, my endeavors have never been ^\'anting to encourage and 
promote the one, while I have been contending for the other, and 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 839 

I am hiirhly flattered by finding that my efforts have met the 
api)roliati()n of so resi)ectable a body. 

" In return for your kind concern for my temporal and eternal 
happiness permit me to assure you that my wishes are reciprocal ; 
and that you may be enabled to hand down your Religion i)ure and 
uiidetile'd to u posterity worthy of their ancestors is the prayer of 
'■ (lentlemen 

" Your most obedient servant 

" Geo Washington" 

Tlie an-ival of the general and his suite was greeted with great 
rejoicings on the part of the citizens. He put up at the public 
house of Evert Bogardus, but accomjtanied by his staff he dined 
with Judge Dirck Wynkoop, in Green Street. In the evening 
there was a gathering of ladies in the Bogardus ball-room, which 
was honored for a sliort time by the attendance of the general, 
Avhen the ladies were severally introduced to him. The next morn- 
ing at an early liour he left the village and continued his journey. 

Hostilities ceased in 1782. Soon after the surrender of Lord 
Cornwallis with his army of seven thousand men, the British min- 
istry entered into negotiations for jieace, and a i)reliminary treaty 
was signed on the :JOth day of November, 1782. But the definitive 
treaty acknowledging the independence of the United States, was 
not signed until nearly a year afterward, Septemlier "kl, 178H, and 
New York was not evacuated until the Sath of November following. 

Thus terminated Biitish rule in this country, and the triumph 
of liberty over tyranny and despotism became complete. 

The final conclusicm of the long and bloody war, during which 
much sulferiiig had l)een endured and sacrifices made, followed by 
a full and absolute recognition of the indei)endence of the United 
States as a nation, gave rise to rejoicings and jubilations in every 
section of the country. Kingston was not behind other places in 
the character and extent of her rejoicings. Its inhabitants had 
always stood among the firmest and foremost friends of liberty and 
advocates of the contest for independence. Their ardor had never 
been cooled or dampened, even by the ti'emendous sacrifices they 
had endured ; now it rather enhanced their joy at the glorious 
teruunation of the coufiict, and they looked upon the result as a 
compensating reward for all their sufferings. 



By His Excellency 
GEORGE WASHINGTON, E s q_; 
General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the 

United States of America. 

1-^ H E S E are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof 

in the ClZ/.^^^gf''^^ ^ 'y^^^^^^y^z'gxm.tnx, having-faithful 
ly ferved the United States /^^^t Qy^^^^^^'Z^ w ii 

-^ — and being inlifted for the War only, is 

hereby Discharged from the American Army, 

GIVEN at Head-Quarters the 




By Hr sExcELLENcys 



Command. 



'-^^-D 



R E Gt S T E R E D In the Books 

ol the Regiment, ^^^ 



■'Adjutant, 



THI above ^^ifc^J^^ 'y^»iy-r^ ^»^^iy^' 

baj beei honored with the Badge of MeriJ Iq-^ y/i/ixA^ 




CHAPTEE XX. 

RISE AND PROGRESS OF EDUCATIONAL MATTERS IN KINGSTON, 
CULMINATING IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF KINGSTON ACADEMY 
— ITS HISTORY. 

IN the jtivcwlinu cliapters the general history of Kingston has 
been brouglit down to the close of the national struggle for in- 
dependence, and it is now proposed to revert to early years and 
trace its educational history. 

As has been frequently stated, tlie great body of the early 
settlers in this country were driven by religious persecution from 
tlieir fatherland, and came here to enjoy liberty of conscience and 
entire religious freedom. Emigi'ating as they did from the old 
world usually in companies, they brought their religious teaclier 
with them. He in addition to his religious duties and catechetical 
instruction was also the instructor of the youth. The worthy 
bui'gliers had such a man with them at Esopus. A Refoi'med Dutch 
Church, as hereinbefore stated, was regularly organized at Esopus, 
and Dominie Ilarmanus Blom settled over it in 1661. We have no 
reason to supi)Ose that the education of the youth was thereby 
interrupted. 

After the organization of the trustees of the freeholders, etc., 
of the town of Kingston, that corporation interested itself in the 
cause of education. Its particular doings and appropriations dur- 
ing the early years of its existence we are unable to sjiecify, by 
reason of the loss of the minutes. Among tlie earliest minutes 
extant, and under date of the 26th day of March, 1722, the ti-ustees, 
by resolution, set apart put of their invested corporate funds bear- 
ing interest live hundred pounds, the annual interest of which was 
to be api)ropriated toward the mainteiuince of a Dutch school- 
nuister in keeping a school to be free to the inhabitants of the 
corporation. This is without doubt one of the earliest progressive 
steps toward the free education of the masses. 

By the following letter of Charles De Witt it will appear that 
education in those days received some share of attention in neigh- 
boring towns, including improvement in tlie buildings : 

" Hurley August 1763 
" Dr Sir 

******* ***■»« 

" We have the greatest crops of wheat here, that we have had 



342 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

for many years past, and the most fruitful year that I can remem- 
ber ever to have seen every way. I am in liopes the poor laborer 
will be better able to rub along this year, as wheat, rye, feed, corn 
etc are vastly cheaper than they have been for a, long time. Other 
things continue pretty much the same. We manage in general as 
usual, only we have taken a particular turn this year to build 
schoolhouses, — which at present are more plenty with us than 
schoolmasters. The upper end of Mai-bletown at Daniel Can- 
tine' s, they have built one after the old fashion, viz A large heap 
of white oak, black oak and perhaps other sorts of timber piled up 
to convenient height, and two or three holes cut in for the children 
and light to pass. This building is not so magnilieent, as another 
built, near father De Witt' s, of stone, a shingle roof, two floors, but 
they tell me the upper floor is not planed very smooth, the j(iists 
ugly etc ; however two large sashes are made therein, besides 
another place where the master and his children pass and re- 
pass . . . 

" Now I have yet to tell you that we have built a schoolhouse 
among the crowd also . . . 

" It is 29 and 24 feet in length and width, built of good large 
limestone, we have a good cedar shingle roof on. One large sash 
window next the street and another opposite thereto next the 
garden, another smaller window at one end near the fireplace, for 
the master to sit at. We intend to have our boards neatly planed 
and everything finished in the best manner . . . and finally we 
have a good master to take possession.' ' 

The tenor of this letter shows that attention to educational 
matters was not a new thing, but that it was something that was 
improving and advancing. 

The trustees of Kingston, however, representing through their 
anniuil elections the wishes of the i)eople, were not content with 
the simple provision for a schoolmaster ; they were continually 
looking forward for improvement in ediTcation and seeking the 
attainment of something better and higher. Thus we find they 
were soon moving in the dii'ection of the establishment of a classi- 
cal school of the highest grade, as appears by a letter of which the 
following is a copy : 

" FiSHKiLL April 19th 1769 

"Sir I received your favoi- of the 28th ult advising that you 
had received a letter from Mr Justice Livingston acquainting you 
of my design of opening an academy in Albany or Kingston, pro- 
vided I met with suitable encouragement in either of those places. 
I am much obliged to you Sii', for the early opjiortunity you took 
to lay my design before some of your Trustees . . . 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTOX. 343 

" I liave lately been advised, that a gentleman, fi'om Kingston, 
has been down, and among other things made it his business to 
iniiuire into my character, and the reason he gate was my design 
of opening an academy, which made me liope they had not wholly 
laid aside all the thoughts of so laudable an institution — but in 
hopes of the honor of your further advice 

" Remain good sir your most obliged humble serv't 

" ClIAUNCEY GhAIIAM 

"CVi. Dc Wiff K^'/r 

This shows that the imjiortant question was then under serious 
consideration, and agitating the minds of the people. Soon there- 
after, however, and in 1773, everything proved ripe for action. Iti 
that year, under the administration of Johannis Sleght, Ajithony 
llolfman, Dirck ^^'ynkoox), Jr., Joseph Gasherie, Wilhelmus 
Houghteling, Jr., Johannis Du Bois, Ezekiel Masten, Adam Persen, 
Silvester Salisbury, Johannis Persen, Abraham Van Gaasbeek, and 
Christopher Tappen, as trustees of the corporation, an inij)ortant 
steji in advance was taken, as will be seen by the following extract 
from the minutes of a meeting of the trustees held on the lltli day 
of October, 177:^ : 

" On motion of Mr Sleght, that in consequence of frequent con- 
versations with regard to the building of a school house, or acad- 
emy for the education of children in this town, the necessity 
thereof must be well known, and the iniblic good that may arise 
from so laudable an undertaking collectively considered, must 
make it matter of the gi'eatest moment. The membei's of the cor- 
poration having taken the same motion into consideration it was 
Resolved 

'''First That a house for the convenience of such a school or 
academy be built purchased or hired as soon as conveniently may be. 

" SecGnd That two capable persons be provided for the tuition 
of the scholars, one of whom to teach the Languages and Sciences, 
and the other the English and Mathematics. 

" Third Tliat the tutors or masters of the said School shall be 
called h\ and remain under the care and direction of the Trustees 
of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Kingston for 
the time being. 

" Fourth That the Honcmrable William Smith and the Rev Dr 
John H Livingston be desired to pro\"ide the said school with a 
Latin Master or Tutor, if in their i)ower, and that they be author- 
ized in behalf of said Trustees to agree with such master at the rate 
of t'lOO per annum, to be engaged for two yeai's, and that they 
cause the same to be put in the i)ul)lic prints, and also that the said 
School shall be oi^ened on the first Monday of May next." 



344 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Tliis was the seed that was sown, the genu that was started, 
which soon grew into a flourishing plant and made Kingston for 
many years the central point for education in the State. It was 
the germ from which Kingston Academy sjirung and was organ- 
ized, than which no institution in the State for many years sus- 
tained a liigher or more enviable reputation. It was the alma 
mater of a large proportion of the distinguished men of New York 
who flourished in the early part, of the nineteenth century. 

On the loth of December, 1773, the trustees appointed a com- 
mittee to purchase a house and lot for the use of the school. On 
the 4th of March, 1774, they directed Mr. Tappen to " write to Dr. 
Livingston to know whether he had procured a Latin master for 
the school, and also to request him and Mr. Smith to cause an 
advertisement to be inserted in the public papers that the school 
would be opened on the first Monday of May then next." 

The trustees purchased for the school the house and lot on the 
southwest corner of John and Crown streets, which is now occu- 
pied as a private residence, and secured the services of John Addi- 
son as principal of the academical department. On the 9th of 
May, 1774, they aj^pointed one of their number to procure the ser- 
vices of a tutor in the Latin department. The English department 
of the school was not opened until the second ]\f onday of May. 
At a meeting of the trustees held on the 14th of February, 1775, 
they made arrangements to procure a set of maps for Mr. Addison 
for use in the school-room, and also additional seats and a table. 

The school appears to have met with very great success from 
the commencement. It undoubtedly was very much needed in the 
country, and reaped the reward of its early establishment. ]\Ir. 
Addison, the principal, was a man of nerve, of learning, and of 
first-class educational talent. The school under him took a very 
high rank and earned it by its works, and not by boasting. It 
continued uninterruptedly through the war until the vandal's 
torch reached the school-room. Then there was necessarily a sus- 
pension, but it was only temporary. They had men of determina- 
tion as well as lovers of learning at the lielm in those days. 

As a matter of historic interest, a copy of the rate-bill of the 
English department, with the names of parents and scholars iip to 
the very day of the conflagration, from the 15th of May, 1777, to 
the 16th of October, 1777, will be found in the Ajjpendix. It can 
be relied on as an official paper. The copy is complete, the mem- 
oranda of studies pursued and arrearages of tidtion only omitted. 
It is regretted that the one for the classical department could not 
also have been found. 

The repair of the school-house and putting it in condition for 
the use of the school, was proceeded with as soon as practicable 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 345 

nfter the destriirtion of the woodwoi-k therein by the En.iilishiiieii's 
toirhes. The suspension of the scliool was of such short ilii ration 
tliat at a meeting of the trustees held on the first Tuesday of 
March, 1778, less than four months from tlie date of the confhigra- 
tion, the hoard being advised of Mr. Addison's need of an assistant, 
at once appointed a committee to procure one. 

The minute-book has the following entry in the proceedings of 
a meeting of the trustees held on the 2d day of October, 1778, a 
few days less than one year after tlie contlagration : 

" Mr Addison having informed the Trustees that he would 
have his pupils ready for examination, by the second Wednesday 
of this month, it was ordered tliat tlie Clerk draw an advertise- 
ment and cause it to be published in Mr Holt's paper, setting forth 
that a public examinaticm, of Mr Addison's students, will be on 
the '2nd Wednesday of this mouth at the house of Capt Evert 
Bogardus, in this town, at lo O'clock in the morning." 

At a meeting held on tlie 12tli of Octolier, it was " Ordered 
that Messrs Osterlioudt, Jansen and Elmendorf i^repare benches 
etc at Captain Bogardus for the spectators, at the examination, 
and that they request Ca]it Bogai'dus to have a dinner prepared on 
Wednesday next for twenty men." 

The examination was held at the apjiointed time before the 
trustees and as large an audience of spectators as could be accom- 
modated in the room, and everything passed off with great eclat 
and satisfaction, and was followed by a month's vacation. 

On the 18th day of November, 1778, the school was opened with 
a large attendance of pupils, and on the 8th of December following 
tlie trustees entered into an agreement with Mr. Addison to pay 
him a salary of £214 for the then ciirrent year, commencing with 
the said 18th day of November. They tlien established the rate of 
tuition at i'S per annum, and added £14 as a bonus to Mr. Addi- 
son's previous year's salary. 

On the 12th of February, 177!), the trustees " Ordered that Mr 
1 luuglitpling be empowered to agree with j\Ir Peter Van Steenbergh, 
or some other person, to serve as Tutor in the English School, for 
a sum not exceeding £180 and also to iiiie ^Ir Jacob Turck's house 
for the accommodation of tlie said Tutors family." And on the 
loth day of April, 1779, they " Resolved that the lot belonging to 
the school house, now in Mr. .Vddison's ])ossession, be ]mt in good 
fence, and that the rubbish and dirt about tlie door be carteil away 
and levelled." And appointed Mr. Ilolfman to superintend the 
work. 

At tlie same meeting they passed the following preamble and 
resolution : 

" Whereas by the present indeterminate value of the paper cur- 



346 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

rency, the salaries of the Tutors of the Academy of this place are 
by no means adequate for their support, Resolved that from and 
after the ensuing vacation the price of tiiition for each student 
shall be as formerly £5 x>er annum, to be jiaid either in specie or 
produce or in continental money eqiial to the exchange, as the 
same shall be when the payment shall become due." And at the 
request of Mr. Addison, they fixed his salary for the then ensuing 
year, to commence on that date, at £100 per annum in specie. 

On the 3d day of August, 1779, at a meeting of the tmstees, 
Abraham Van Vechten, who in subsequent years for a long time 
stood highest in the front rank among the leading members of the 
bar of this State, attended before the trustees and informed them 
that he had for some time, at Mr. Addison' s request, assisted him 
as an usher, and desired a reasonable compensation for his ser- 
vices. The trustees agreed to allow him a salary of £13.') currency 
per annum, but required him to give three months' notice of his 
intention to quit the service. This Mr. Van Vechten was the first 
man who received a license to practice in the Supreme Court under 
the State Constitution, and for that reason, and for his eminent 
standing in the profession, was designated as the father of the Xew 
York Bar. 

The inhabitants of Kingston, it appears, were not content with 
a successful academj", but desired also to be honored with the loca- 
tion of a imiversity or college within their territory. The follow- 
ing entries appear in the trustees' minutes under the respective 
dates, as specified : 

Avgnst 'Sd, 1779. — " Whereas several deliberations and conver- 
sations have heretofore been had, respecting the obtaining a charter 
to erect and establish a University or College in this town, Resolved 
that the Trustees will do every thing in their power to encourage 
and promote so laudable an undertaking." They thereupon also 
appointed Judge Wynkoop, Mr. Tappen, Mr. Gasherie, and Mr. 
Addison a committee to consult with his excellency the governor, 
and the Hon. Robert R. Livingston, respecting the said college or 
university, and to prepare a petition to .the Legislature of this 
State, at the next session, pi-aying for leave to bring in a bill for 
that purpose. 

Jamiary l\th, 1780. — " The Trustees, having at the last session 
of the Legislature of this State, proffered a j)etition to that body, 
for leave to bring in a bill to erect or establish a College or Univer- 
sity in this town, and the Assembly of this State having given 
leave to bring in a bill for that purpose, by their resohe dated 
October 20. 1779 " Ordered that Perick "Wynkoop and Christopher 
Tappen repair to Albany, in order to consult the Hon Robei't Yates 
and Mr Egbert Benson and such other gentlemen as they shall 



HI5TOBT OF KIXGSTOK. 



a47 



think proper, to draft and complete a bill for that pnrfose, and 
that the TYostees will leimbarse them the expense etc for the com- 
pletion thervof." 

Under these proceedings nothing was accomplished. Suhse- 
qner* : -.iina^ wer^ taken by and in behalf of the trustees of 
the . for the same puri:<»se in the rear 1S«>4. which ^^ill be 

set forth in a subseqnent part of this chaf>ter. 

>Ir. ' '"■- . continued in charge of the academy until 17S4. 
He was ~ -.1 by John McMillan on the ^Sd day of November. 

1784. under an engagement for one year. 

On the 6th dav of Februarv. 17S5. the trustees deiemiined that 




ACAI'EMY. 



it was desirable that the academy should be fnnushed with a belL 
and apf>ointed a committee for that purjxkse. The comminee sub- 
sequently, on the 16th of February, reported that they had been to 
Mr. Nathan Smedes to purchase a bell, that he had declined to 
take any compensation therefor, and had made a present of the 
same to the academy. And they further reported that Mr. Smedes 
had in addition offered to give the trustees as many cedar posts 
as mi.:liT fv- ne<:'essary to build a steeple on the academy building 
TO a.<' 'nimi -UiT':' the belL 

The trustees accepted the gift and made a suitable expression 



B48 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

of thanks to Mr. Smedes for his liberal offer. They at once desig- 
nated one of their number, Mr. Sclioonmaker, to fetch the posts. 

In June, 1788, Mr. McMillan resigned as principal, to take 
effect at the close of the then current term. The trustees at once 
wrote to Tfr. Witherspoon, requesting him to reconuiiend to them 
for the place " a gentleman whose ability and moral character will 
add a reputation to the school, and whose assiduity and attention 
to the progress of his pupils will render it (the academy), as it 
formerly has been, a general blessing to this part of the Country." 

In the course of their communication they expressed their pref- 
erence for a married man, as he ' ' when happily situated is not so 
apt to cliange his situation, as young-gentlemen who are generally 
fond of making experiments." They closed their communication, 
after setting forth the conveniences, etc., of tlie academy, by say- 
ing that "they think it lannecessary, on the present occasion, to 
enumerate the qualifications which the gentleman ought to possess 
as a teacher. You are the proper judge, for the Corporation of 
Kingston ; it will be sufficient for the Rector of their academy to 
be a gentleman of Dr Witherspoon' s recommendation. A man, 
whose long and unwearied services in promoting the felicity of 
mankind, will ever be remembered by the virtuous and the wise 
with gratitude and applause." 

On the 24th of October, 1788, the trustees entered into a con- 
tract with George Barnes Ewart to take charge of the academy and 
teach the Greek and Latin languages and the higher English 
branches for the term of six months. 

Mr. Ewart did not appear to give entire satisfaction, as may be 
judged from the fact that on the 18th of De(!ember, 1789, the 
trustees appointed a committee to consult with Dominie Doll and 
Mr. Addison to procure an able instructor in the place of Mr. 
Ewart as soon as possible. 

That did not result in any change, and on the 28th day of 
January, 1791, the trustees resolved " that the corporation become 
a member of tlie University of New York. " 

In the month of March, 1791, the dissatisfaction of the patrons 
of the academy arose to fever heat, so that on the 4th of ]\Iarch 
Messrs. Oke Sudani and Samuel Freer presented a petition to the 
trustees, signed by thirty-six of the patrons of the academy, which 
alleged that the fathers paid their money, but the children did not 
learn ; that the academy was in a declining state, and urging such 
measures to be taken as would restore it in the future to a high 
and flourishing condition. Tlie trustees at once summoned Mr. 
Ewart before them, and gave him the requisite three months' notice 
to leave the academy. 

Messrs. Gerrit Van Keuren, Tobias Van Buren, and Peter 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 349 

Mariiis Green were appointed a committee to ascertain the sense of 
the people in regard to what measures the trustees should take to 
procure a teacher. 

The academy was vacated by Mr. Ewart at the close of the 
term, and it remained dosed for nearly a year, owing to the diffi- 
culty of securing a satisfactory principal. They were well com- 
pensated for the delay, however, as they then secured the services 
of a most competent and faithful instructor in the person of Tim- 
otliy Tredwell Smith. 

The trustees gave the following notice in the public papers : 

'• KiN(isTON Academy. 

" The Ti'ustees of Kingston, in Ulster county, take this method 
of giving public information that they have again established the 
Academy in this place under their particular direction and inspec- 
tion. A gentleman of competent education and abilities has been 
procured who at jtresent presides over it. The Greek and Latin 
langiuiges, and in general the various branches of education usual 
in academies are taught here. The healthy situation of the town, 
the convenient and cheap boarding that can be procured, it is 
exj)ected, will encourage parents and guardians to patronize this 
institution by sending their children and those under their care to 
it. The Trustees assure the public that from specimens of the 
proficiency of the scholars already afforded, they have the fullest 
confidence of giving general satisfaction to all those who may 
honor them with their attendance. 

"Kingston, December 1, 1792." 

After the reopening of the academy it again resumed its course 
of prosperity and celebrity, :ind on the 21st day of Fel)i-uary, 1794, 
the trustees of Kingston applied to the regents of the University 
of the State of New York for the incorporation of the institution 
which had l^een thus established and nurtured l)y them. A few 
days after making such application, and anticipating the favorable 
action of the regents, the then trustees of Kingston, Peter Marius 
Groen, Moses YeouKins, Jeremiah Du Bois, (ierrit Van Keuren, 
Philip Swart, Tobias Meyer, Tjerck C. De Witt, Evert Bogardus, and 
Samuel Swart, by deed of conveyance, bearing date March 1st, 1794, 
conveyed to John Addison, George J. L. Doll, and others trustees 
of the academy in Kingston all that certain messuage, etc. (describ- 
ing the academy lot at the corner of Crown and John streets in this 
village), " To have and to hold the said lot of ground with the 
hereditaments and appurtenances unto the Trustees of the Academy 
in Kingston and to their lawful successors forever to and for the 
sole and onlj' use, benefit and purpose of promoting literature in 



350 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the said Academy in Kingston, and to and for no other use, benefit 
and i^nrpose under any pretence whatever." 

It appears that the regents of the university made no response 
to the first application, and therefore tlie trustees of Kingston 
renewed their application on the Sth of January, 1795. This time 
their petition received the favorable action of the regents, and 
Kingston Academy vras duly incorporated by a deed of incorpora- 
tion, a copy of which is here inserted as a matter of historic 
interest. 

" The Regents of the University of the State of New York to 
all to whom these presents shall come or may concei'u, greeting : 
AYhereas the Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the 
town of Kingston, in the County of Ulster and State of New York, 
by two se^'eral instruments in writing under their hands and Cor- 
poration Seal, bearing date respectively, the 21st day of February, 
1794, and the 5th day of January, in the year 1795, after stating 
among other things that they have had for several years an estab- 
lished academy in the said town for the instruction of youth in the 
learned languages, and other branches of useful knowledge, and 
have purchased and appropriated to that use and purpose a lot of 
ground with a large and commodious building thereon, in the said 
town, did respectfully make apjilication to us, the said Regents, 
that the said Academy might be incorporated, and become subject 
to the visitation of us and our successors ; and that John Addison, 
George J. L. Doll, Petrus Van Alierden, Moses Yeomans, Peter 
Marius Groen, Cornelius Jansen, Jeremiah Du Bois, Abraham Van 
Gaaslteek, Jr., Peter Van Gaaslieek, Coenradt Edmundus Elmen- 
dorf, Evert Bogardus, Petrus Myndertse, Peter Roggen, Henry 
Eltinge, James S. Bruyn, Peter Vanderlyn, Petrus Elmendoi-f, 
Jr., Samuel Freer, Moses Cantine, James Oliver, Alirahani Van 
Home, GeiTit De Witt, Joseph Hasbrouck, and Johaunis Bruyn, 
might be the Trustees of said Academy, by the name of The 
Trustees of Kingston Academy : Now know ye that we, the said 
Regents, having inquired into the allegations contained in the said 
instrnments in writing, and found the same to be true, and it 
appearing to us by due proof that the said applicants have contrib- 
uted more than one half in value of the real and personal property 
and estate collected or appropriated for the use and benefit of tlie 
said Academy, and we conceiving the same calculated for the pro- 
motion of Literature, do by these presents, pursuant to tlie statute 
in such case made and provided, signify our approbati(jn of the 
Incorporation of the said John Addison, George J. L. Doll, Petrus 
Van Mierden, Moses Yeomans, Peter Marius Groen, Cornelius 
Jansen, Jerendah Du Bois, Abraham Van Gaasbeek, Jr., Peter \^in 
Gaasbeek, Coenradt Edmundus Elmendorf, Evert Bogardus, 



HI5TORT OF KIXGSTOX. 351 

Petnis Myndertse, Peter Rosr^n, Henry Eltinge, James S. Bruyn, 
Peter Vanderlyn. Pefnis Elmendorf. Jr.. Samuel Freer, Moses 
Cantine, James Oliver. Al>raham Van Home. Genit De Wirt. Joseph 
Hasbrouck, and Johannis Bruyn. the Trustees of the said A«\d- 
emy. so as afores;iid nametl by the founders thereof, by the name 
of The Trustees of Kingston Academy. Iving the name mentioned 
in and by the said reijuest in \mting. In witness whereof we have 
causetl our common seal to be hereunto aflBxeti this third day of 
February, in the nineteenth year of the indei^endence of the United 
States. Annoque Dimiini. one thous:\nd seven huntlreil and ninety- 
five. Witness : Ofeorge Clinton. Esquire, Chancellor of the Uni- 
versitv. 



y the command of 


-^^^^ 




le Chancellor. 


i 1 




DeWitt Clixtox. 


1 ' 

^ LS - 


Geo. Clixtox. 


Stcrtt'tny. 


( ) 


CJianctUor. 



On the 10th day of June. lliK^, thedeeii of incorpomtion having 
been received, the trustees named attende^l in the Academy Hall 
and took upon themselves the charge thus committed to them. 
After hearing an address suitable to the (X"casion from Mr. John 
Addison, the senior trustee, who acteil as president, they pro- 
ceeded to the choice of the necessary officei-s. and Peter Van Gaas- 
beek was chosen Secretary, and Peter A'anderhTi. Tivasurer : the 
duties of President devolving u]ion the senior trustee, by the title 
of •• Mr. Senior." 

After which it was ' ' Resolvetl unanimously that the following 
plan of education be adopted, and the following Rides and Regu- 
lations obsei-ved for the government of the Principal Tutor. Usher 
and Students of this Academy, viz. : 

■■ 1st. Thei-e shall lie taught in this Academy the Greek and 
Latin languages. Elementary and Practical Ge<imetry. Mathematics. 
Logic. Moral and Natural Philosophy. Ancient History, Geog- 
raphy, and the History and Government of the Uniteil States. 

• ■ -Jnd. The terms of tuition for any one of the alxive l>ranches 
of Education shall be at and after the rate of five pounds per 
annum : one-third of which sum to lie paid by the Student to the 
Treasurer of the Trustees of this Academy on the day of his en- 
trance, and the remaining two-thirds at the expiration of the year, 
and so in like manner for every year he shall continue theivin. 
Ejich Student shall in :uldition to the above annual sum. furnish 
two loads of fire-wood for the use of the Actidemy. or pay the ciir- 
ivnt price thereof to the Principil Tutor. 

•■ 3d. The houi-s for teacliing shall be. during the Summer 
Session, from half-jxist eight in the morning until twelve at noon, 



:l')2 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

and from two imtil five o' clock in the afternoon on each day (Sat- 
urdays excepted), which jjortion of the week is deemed necessary 
for recreation, both of tlie Teachers and Students ; and during the 
Winter Session, from nine in the morning until twelve at noon, and 
from half -past one until five o'clock in the afternoon on each day 
(Saturdays excepted.) 

' ' 4th. There shall be two vacations in every year, of three weeks 
each, to commence on the first Monday of May and October. And 
on the Friday immediately preceding each vacation a genei-al and 
public examination of the Students in the presence of the Trustees 
and such other persons as may choose to attend. 

"5th. That every morning the Principal Tutor, Usher, or a 
Master shall open the exercises of the Academy with prayer. 

' ' 6th. That there shall be quarterly visitations of the Academy 
by the Trustees, or a committee of them, in order to examine into 
the improvement and jirogress of the Students, and to propose such 
alterations and arrangements as may be found necessary and con- 
venient for the good government of the Academy." 

It was also at that meeting, after reciting that they had agreed 
with Mr. Timothy Tredwell Smith, the former preceptor, to con- 
tinue his charge of the academy. " Resolved that Timothy Tred- 
well Smith be and he is hereby appointed to take charge of the 
Academy as Principal Tutor thereof for two years, to commence 
on the 14th day of May, 179G, and that he be allowed for his ser- 
vices for the first year, to terminate the 14th day of May, 1797, the 
sum of 170 poimds ($42i5), and for the year next thereafter the sum 
of 185 pounds ($462,50)." 

From the plan thus shadowed forth in the preceding resolutions, 
it is evident that the trustees started with a determination to main- 
tain the established character of the institution, and conduct 
therein a school of a higli and severe grade. The establisliment of 
semi-annual examinations in the presence of the trustees evinced 
the watchful care with which they intended to foster and watch 
the progress of the institution. 

These semi-annual examinations were kept up for many years, 
and were punctually attended by the full board, all the trustees 
making it a matter of pride and duty to attend, unless prevented 
by sickness or some other unavoidable cause. The distinguished 
character of that institution for many succeeding years, and the 
names of the eminent men eni'oUed among its alumni, testify to 
the wisdom of the policy. The semi-annual recui'rence of that 
event was looked forward to with great expectations of delight and 
pleasure by the citizens of Kingston and surrounding country, 
both old and young, and weeks preceding the event preparations 
were made for its fitting celebration. Every house was thrown 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 353 

open for the reception luid entertainment of strangers and visitors, 
who flocked to the village on these occasions, and freely and 
happily partook of the cordial hospitality of our Dutch ancestry. 
Upon tile morning of tlie day fixed for the examination, the Board 
of Trustees convened at a ])Ml)iic liouse which was then situated at 
the corner of Fair Sti-eet and Maiden Lane. They were escorted in 
procession from tliat i)lace l)y tlie students, preceded by music, 
and amid the merrj' ringing of the village bells, proceeded to the 
Academy Ilall. wlien the examination, rigid and thorough in its 
character, toolc place. The exaujination was followed by a public 
dinner, of which both students and trustees, as well as distin- 
guished strangers, partoolv. After dinner, in the spring examina- 
tions, the literarj' exercises of tlie day were closed by declamation 
in the Dutch Church, then the only church in the village. In the 
fall tiie literaiy exercises of the examination day were closed by 
an e.xhibition in the court-room, at wliich diak)gues, disputations 
on questions proj)()sed, and speeches were delivered by the students. 
Originally the exercises of the evening were enlivened and inter- 
spersed by the performance of scienes from tragedies, farces, and 
comedies. This was prohibited by a resolution of the board 
adopted on the 10th day of December, 1805, when it was " Resolved 
that hereafter there shall be no public exhibition of any tragedy, 
comedy, or farce by the scholars after the semi-anniuil exanuna- 
tions ; but their exercises may consist of dialogues, dissertations 
on questions proposed, and other tit and proper speeches and 
orations as may tend to qualify them for public speaking.'" After 
the literary exercises were (;losed the younger portion of the 
visitors and citizens united with the students in the merry 
dance, and thus joyously spent the rest of the night until the 
small hours of the morning. The ^\^"ite^ found among the papers 
of his mother several invitations to the Commencement balls, 
and fa(!-similes are here inserted as matters of historic interest. 
Among the managers will be found the names of several who be- 
came distinguished as judges, and in the learned professions and 
political life. 

The public dinner was abolished by special order of the Board 
of Trustees, on the 23d day of April, 1813, when it was " Resolved, 
that hereafter no dinner be paid for by the Treasurer, and that the 
Trustees have no public dinner hereafter." 

Such pleasing observances of the semi-annual examinations con- 
tinued for many years. They waned, however, with the declining 
prosperity of the academy. By the time the academy had degen- 
erated from a high-toned institution, devoted entirely to the classics 
and higher English branches, to a nnxed school for all classes and 
ages and progress of advancement, the semi-annual examinations 
23 



354 



HISTOBY OF KINGSTON. 



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'til-it 

THE HONOR OF 



sir 






COMPANY IS REQUESTED AT 






At Mr. DE WAAL'S, on Friday next, 7 o'clock, < ;£. 

P. M. S tP" 

S JOHN SUDAM, -j S ;^ 

J HERMAN RUGGLES, f ,, \W- 

X JULIUS WHITE. >Manazeru ^ j^ 

S J. 1. V'ANDERPOEL, 1 S :fe, 

> Ocfoirr 2i, 1805. ^ ^ 

PUERILE BALL. ' S^ 

•*■ Company is re^uefted at a Ball, o« V^ 
rAf Night of the Commencement of the ^ 
Students y 
Mr, BogarduCs Hotel. 

Cornelius D, Weflbiook, 1 j. 
— ^ Jacob E. Bogardus, ^ 

j^ Severyn Bruyo, 

|j^ Thomas Bfuyn, 




<[5acat(on 25air. 



■. Company it requested at a BALL, on Friday Even- 1 
; ing.at? o'doclc. at De Waal's Assembly Kgoin "" 

Skvertn Bruvn, •) 

I. I. Van Dekpool, ( 

Beverly Kain, t 

Andbew Biiuy>j, J 



45!'* 



"• Managers 




lApril 27. 



INVITATIONS. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON". 355 

as originally instituted, with the joyous festivities of the occasion, 
belonged only to the history of the past. 

But to return to the historical sketches. On the 21st day of 
December, IT!)."), tlie trustees lield a special meeting to receive a 
I)air of globes and one hundred and three volumes of solid English 
literature, as the foundation of an academy library, pui'chased by 
money received from the regents of tlie university. They then 
adopted the following regulations for tlie management of the 
library, evincing a laudtible desire to extend the benefits of the 
library to the citizens as well as the students : 

"1. Resolved, That agreeably to the intention of the said dona- 
tion, the students have a preference of using the books of the 
library as follows, viz : 

" A diiodecimo, quarto, and octavo volume for a tenn of six 
weeks ; and a folio volunu^ for two months : Provided that for any 
longer time tliey pay four pence for every week of excess. And in 
case of any injury, to pay such damages as the Librarian shall 
assess, or furnislianewset, (as he shall elect.) retaining the old set. 

" And whereas, a circulation of the said Library may promote 
the interests of the Institution and disseminate knoAvIedge, there- 
fore, 

"2d. Resolved, That any citizen of the county of Ulster shall, 
be entitled to the use of the books of said Library upon jiaying 
four pence a week for the time aforesaid for each volume, and if 
retained beyond the time so limited to the students, then to pay 
four jience for every day of excess. And in case of any injury, to 
pay such damages as the Librarian shall assess, or funiish a new 
set and retain the old one, as he shall elect. 

'* ;^d. Resolved, That the Principal Tutor be the Librarian, to 
take charge of, deliver out and receive in the books of the said 
Library, with the moneys to become due and payable for the use 
of the same, and to render an accurate accouiit thereof to the 
Trustees at their general stated meetings. 

■' 4th. Resolved, That the Librarian shall have the use of the 
said Library gratis, the same being as a full compensation for his 
services therein." 

The books thus purchased to form the nucleus and foundation 
of a library were all standard works of higli character requiring 
the study and thought of matured minds. Many of them may 
still be found ui)on the library shelves, and form a marked con- 
trast with many of the other books in the present library pui'chased 
at later periods. 

On the lyth day of March, 1790, the trustees increased the 
salary of Mr. Smith, then ])rinci])al. to £200 : and on the 30tli day 
of September, IT'JU, the price of tuition was raised to £0 per year. 



356 HISTOEY OF KINGSTON. 

On the 12tli day of June, 1798, it was resolved that Mr. Senior 
(John Addison), Eev. George J. L. Doll, Moses Yeomans, Peter 
Vanderlyn, and Moses Cantine be a committee to examine into the 
state of the funds of this academy, and make report thereof at the 
next general meeting. And also once a month to visit the academy 
and inspect the improvement of the students. The following 
record of that committee appearing on the minutes conveys a 
wholesome lesson to trustees of the present day : 

On the 28th of September, 1798, ' ' the committee appointed on 
the 12th day of June last, for visiting the Academy monthly, and 
to inspect the improvement of the students, and to whom an ap- 
peal had been made by Mr. Samuel Freer, on a question whether 
his son, Anthony S. Freer, should be permitted to speak an oration 
he had made choice of in preference to one corrected and proposed 
for him by the principal Tutor, reported that having deliberately 
considered the question, they are unanimously of opinion that 
upon the present and similar cases the principal Tutor ought to be 
the sole judge of what is most proper and conducive to tlie edifica- 
tion of his pupils ; and unless this confidence is reposed in him, 
his authority as Tutor would be diminished, and the promotion of 
knowledge thereby endangered." This report was unanimously 
sustained by the board. 

On the 12th day of February, 1799, a special meeting of the 
trustees of the academy was held for the special piirpose of inquir- 
ing into the state of the funds of the academy. Upon examination, 
it appeared that the income of the academy had not diminished 
since the last fall vacation. Mr. Vanderlyn moved that the salary 
theretofore allowed to the principal tutor of their academy be con- 
tinued agreeably to the last contract. Mr. Conrad E. Elmendorf 
moved as an amendment, that the salary of the principal tutor be 
such sum as shoiild be received for tuition of the students, be the 
same more or less. The amendment was negatived, and the original 
motion carried by a large majoi-ity. 

The trustees were then not yet prepared, by making the salary 
of the principal entirely dependent on the number of his pupils, to 
throw out to their principal an inducement to court pojjularity 
rather than the educational interests and advancement of the 
pupils. 

At the meeting of the trustees on the 2d day of May, 1800, the 
death of Jolin Addison, the then late senior trustee, was announced. 
The seniority then fell upon tlie Rev. George J. L. Doll. 

Mr. Smith having resigned his position as principal on the 1st 
day of August, 1801, the Rev. David Warden was appointed prin- 
cipal tutor, at an annual salary of $450 ; " And in case the income 
arising from the students should exceed that sum, the Trustees 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 357 

will allow snrh excess to Mr. Wnrdeii until his salary shall amount 
to $500. The excess over $.')0(» to be at the disposal of the Trus- 
tees." On the 30th day of April, 1802, the salary of Mr. Warden 
was permanently tixed at S.'iOO. 

On the 'i8th day of June, 1802, is recortled an addition to the. 
library of thirty volumes, purchased with the proceeds of a subscrip- 
tion amounting- to $61.75. 

At a meeting of the trustees, held on the 1st day of October, 
1802, pursuant to a law of the State, entitled, " An Act relative to 
Academies, passed March 8, 1802," the Rev. George J. L. Doll, 
the then senior, was unanimously elected president of the board. 
He was thus the first president elected by the board. Previous to 
that the senior trustee having performed the duties of presiding 
officer under the title of " JMr. Senior." 

At tile same meeting the following preamble and resolutions 
were adopted : 

" Whereas the Trustees having received infonnation (after the 
examination of this day,) of several students al)senting themselves, 
and tliereby avoiding an examination, as directed by the orders 
and regulations of this Academy, tliereupon : — Resolved, that in 
case any student shall hereafter be guilty of absenting liimself 
from any public examination without a reasonable excuse to be 
made to, and approved of by the jirincipal Tutoi- and at least two 
of the Board of Trustees, he shall sutfer the punishment of a public 
reprimand ; and for a second offence be expelled the Academy, and 
not again admitted as a student within the same." 

On the 3d day of January, 1803, at a special meeting of the 
Board of Trustees, it was " Resolved, that if at any time hereafter 
any student belonging to the Academy shall be found guilty of 
playing cards, or to gamble, or to J^lay at any other game in a 
tavern, public-house, or any gaml)ling-house whatever, and the 
same shall be proven to the satisfaction of the Trustees, he or they 
so offending, shall l)e liable to lie expelled from the Academy. 
And that the names of the offenders, together with the reasons of 
their expulsion, be printed in the public papers at the option of 
the Trustees." 

The following additional entries apix'ar upon the minutes of 
the same meeting : " Mr. President and the said Trustees, taking 
into consideration the ]iresent flourishing state of the Academy, 
and th(* propriety of addressing tiie Honorable the Regents of the 
Univeisity upon the occasion at their next annual meeting, in this 
present month of January — ap]iointe(l Mr. Bancker to prepare and 
report an address accordingly at tliis present meeting. \\'here- 
upon Mr. Bancker agreeably to appointment, reported the draught 
of an address to the Honorable the Regents of the University, 



358 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

which he read in his place, and the same being again read and con- 
sidered by paragraphs, was approved of by the Trustees, and 
ordered to be engrossed, signed by the President, and attested by 
the Secretary under the seal of the Corporation, to be delivered or 
.transmitted to His Excellency the Chancellor of the University. 
The same is in the words following, viz. : — 

" His Excellency George Clinton, CJiancellor, and the Honorable 
the Regents of the University of the State of New York. 

" Most Respected Siks :— The Trustees of Kingston Academy, 
in the County of Ulster, take the liberty of addressing your honor- 
able body upon the present flourishing situation of the Seminary 
committed to their particular care, and trust that an anxious solici- 
tude for its further prosperity will apologize for any impropriety in 
this communication. 

" Since the first establishment of this Academy by the Trustees 
of the Corporation of Kingston in the year 1774, they have been 
very fortunate in providing able teachers therein, and without any 
other fund -than the bare tuition money ; have had a number of 
pupils committed to their care, from among whom can now be 
selected characters, who have since been preferred by their fellow- 
citizens to the imj^ortant offices of a Lieutenant Governor and 
President of the Senate, a Sjieaker of the Assembly, a Justice of 
the Supreme Court, a Mayor of one populous city, and botli Mayoi' 
and Recorder of another. Several members of the National and 
State Legislatures, besides a number of characters eminent in their 
several professions of Divinity, Law, and Physic. 

" Ji'rom this pleasing review of the past, the Trustees hope not 
to be thoiight vain or assuming in considering Kingston Academy 
equal in usefulness to any other of like establishment within this 
State ; and as such, meriting the fostering care and attention of 
the Honorable Regency, as its common parent. 

" Since our Deed of Incorporation of the thii'd day of February 
1795, there having been but one visitation to the Academy, the 
Trustees beg leave to mention, that having received two hundred 
dollars from the Public Treasury, the same, together witli a further 
sum of about sixty dollars, collected by voluntary contribution, 
has been carefully expended in the purchase of a neat set of Globes 
and Maps, with some Mathematical Apparatus and about one hun- 
dred and thirty-two volumes of choice books for the j^cademy 
Library. The same are placed under the immediate control of the 
present Principal Tutor, the Rev. Mr. David B. Warden, a gentle- 
man originally from the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, but 
last from Kinderhook, where he stood as a teacher till called to 
this Academy about seventeen months since. He with only one 



HISTORY OF KIXOSTON". 359 

ITsher to assist him, has now the cluir'ie of fifty-three students — a 
number exceeding any lieretofore known at one and the same time, 
and for whom the Trustees are desirous of providing another 
llslier, but find tlie means inadequate, That students arranged in 
cliusses are taught the Latin and Greek hmguages, pjlementary and 
Practical (Geometry, Matliematics, Logi(', Moral and Natural Phi- 
losophy, Ancient History, Geography, the History and Government 
of the United States, and the Prencli language. Two of the j)res- 
ent students are from two neighboring States, viz. : one from Mary- 
land, and the other from Pennsylvania. Twenty others are from 
six neighboring Counties, viz. : One from New York, one fi'om 
Westchester, seven from Dutchess, five from Columbia, one from 
Albany, and five from Greene, and the remaining thirty-one belong 
to this County ; thus this nursery for science will, with the bless- 
ing of a kind Providence, spread her fruits far and wide. 

" In order to render the Academy more extensively useful, tlie 
Trustees have for several years past assigned a large convenient 
room on the first ttoor for the use of an English School, whicli gen- 
erally consists of twenty-five to thirty scholars, who are taught 
reading, writing, and arithmetic. 

" The Trustees beg leave to add, that noue of the English 
scholars have been enumerated with the Latin students reported to 
the Honorable Regents, and wliich they have understood to have 
been the case from some neighboring Seminaries, in order they 
])resume, thereby to I'eceive a largei" share of the bounty of the 
State. Be that as it may, the Trustees of Kingston Academy have 
with pleasure observed tlie means adopted liy the Honorable Legis- 
lature for the encouragement of Liteiature, and rest satisfied that 
their own exertions in this laudable undertaking, vriW not fail to 
meet with every assistance iu tlie ])ower of a generous Pegency to 
afford them. In testimony wliereof, we have caused our common 
seal to be thereunto affixed. Witness the Rev. George J. L. Doll, 
our President of our Academy, this :ird day of January, ISOri. 

" Geokge J. L. Doll, Fresldcitt. 

" Attested. Arm. B. Bancker, Secretary." 

Eroiii :ni entry in the minutes of a meeting held by the board 
on tlie HOth day of September, 1803, it appears that upon the pre- 
ceding application, the regents df)nated to the academy the sum of 
one hundred jiounds, which was received into the treasury, and 
apjiropriated to the discharge of a balance due Mr. Smith, their 
former ])rinci])al, to the ])urcliase of a new bell for the academy, 
and the residue paid to Mr. Warden, on account of his salary. 
The bell purchased at that time is proljably the same bell wliich 
w;is ill the present academy until recently. 



360 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

The following preamble and resolutions were passed by the 
trustees at a meeting held by them on the 31st day of January, 
1804: 

" The Trustees taking into consideration the present flourishing 
situation of the Academy, and the gi'eat encouragement afforded 
them, as well by private subscriptions as by a generous donation 
from the Trustees of the Coriioration of Kingston, of real property, 
as a fund towards the establishment of a College within this town, 
thereupon, 

" Resolved, that Mr. President, Mr. Conrad E. Elmendorf, and 
Mr. Bancker, be a Committee to prepare two memorials to the 
Honorable the Regents of the University, and the Honorable the 
Legislature of the State, in their present session, soliciting the 
sanction of the former in founding a College within the town of 
Kingston ; and also the aid of the latter towards building and 
endowing the said College. 

^' HesoUed, That Mr. President, Mr. Conrad E. Elmendorf and 
Mr. Dezeng be a Committee to proceed to the city of Albany and 
present the said memorials and use their best endeavors towards 
obtaining the objects contemplated." 

The result of the application appears in the following extract 
from the minutes of the trustees of that date : 

" At a meeting of the Trustees held on the 17th day of March 
1804, the President from the Committee ajipointed to wait on the 
Regents of the University to solicit their sanction in founding a 
College within the town of Kingston, produced a report from a 
Committee of the said Board of Regents, which was read in the 
words following, viz. : 

' ' The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of the 
Triistees and inhabitants of Kingston, in the county of Ulster, 
praying for the establishment of a College in that village, respect 
fully report, 

" That your Committee have maturely reflected on the prayer 
of the petitioners and are highly pleased with the literary zeal 
which they manifest by their liberal subscriptions and laudable ex- 
ertions to procure the establishment of a College in their village. 
But while the Committee pay the petitioners this tribute of com- 
mendation it is their duty to estimate and decide impartially upon 
the merits of their application. ITiat in making such estimate and 
decision the Committee cannot lose sight of tlie important trust 
committed to the Regents of the University, which imposes on 
them to have a due regard to the general interests of literature 
throughout this State. That the Committee have seen with con- 
cern the difficulties which the present collegiate institutions within 
this State have encountered and continue to struggle with, from 



TIISTORT OF KINGSTON'. 861 

whence they cannot hut autioipute tluit tlie multiplication of such 
institutions would he inexpedient at the present day, inasmuch as 
it would increase those ditliculties by dividing the means necessary 
for their support. That the Committee also perceive from the sub- 
scrijitions of the petitioners that they involve a condition tliat the 
Regents have it not in their power to fuliil, to wit, the assunmee 
of legislative aid to facilitate the accomplishment of the desirable 
and praiseworthy views of the petitioners. That witliout such 
assurance the ("oTMuuttee regard the suI)scriptions as altogether 
conditional and therefore not forming a proper and secure basis on 
which to predicate the important and expensive establishment of a 
College. That independent of the objection above stated tlie 
Committee also beg leave to remark, that a large proportion of the 
subscrijjtions on which the said application is founded consists of 
lister and Delaware Turnpike Stock, the value of which is unas- 
certained and extremely precarious. Your Committee are, there- 
fore, of opinion that it woidd be improjxn- to grant the prayer of 
the petitioners. All which is respectfully submitted. Senate 
Chamber, Monday 13 February 1804. The above report was re- 
(■eived and read and agi'eed to by the Regents. Thereupon, Re- 
solved, that a copy of the Report of the Ccmimittee be presented 
to the applicants. By order of the Board of Regents, 

'' Fu. Bloodgoou, Seci-etary." 

The establishnifut of a college being thus denied, upon reasons 
which commend themselves to the judgment and approval of all, 
the then Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston, consisting of 
John Tremper, Abraham Ilotfman, Peter ]\Iarius (Jroen, \\'illiam 
Swart, Tobias Van Buren, Christopher Tappen, John Van Vliet, 
Jacobus Terpenning, Henry Schoonmaker, and Abraham IToughtel- 
ing, conveyed the whole of the real property whicli had been de- 
signed for a coUege fund to the trustees of Kingston Academy as a 
fund for that institution. This deed is dated March 1.5th, 1804, 
and conveyed over eiglit hundred acres of land, including the 
triangular lot in the village of Kingston upon which the present 
academy building is situated. 

In October, 1804, the price of tuition was raised to S18 a year. 
Mr. Warden having resigned as principal, the Rev. Thomas Adams, 
of Hartford, Conn., was selected to fill the vacancy, at a salary of 
s70() a year. 

In May, 1805, a committee consisting of Peter Marius Groen, 
Conrad E. Elmendorf, and John Trem])er was ap])ointed to report 
upon the propriety of selling the academy buikling, a j)lan and 
site for the erection of a new building, to solicit subscriptions for 
tile ]iurpose, and with authority to make such alteratioiis and 



362 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

repairs as might be indispensably necessary for the existing build- 
ing and the convenience of the schools. 

At the same meeting the trustees lixed the compensation of all 
their committees at $2 per day, they bearing their own expenses. 
And the Land Committee were authorized to sell the real property 
either at private or public sale, in such quantities as they might 
deem advantageous, with authority to receive one third part of the 
consideration in the Ulster and Delaware Turnpike Stock, and all 
former sales were confirmed. 

At the semi-annual meeting in October, 1805, some of the negli- 
gent members of the board were aroused to their duty by the pas- 
sage of the following resolution : '' Resolved, that a letter be wi-it- 
ten to each absenting Trustee of this Board, stating to him the 
necessity of his attendance at our semi-annual meetings as a mem- 
ber, and such as cannot in future give their attendance more punc- 
txially than heretofore, be requested to resign the appointment, in 
order that others may be appointed who will attend to the business 
of the Institution." 

At a meeting held on the 4th of November, 1805, Mr. Peter 
Marius Groen, one of the committee appointed to report in refer- 
ence to the academy building, reported, " That any repaii's to the 
present Academy Building would be useless, inasmuch as it never 
can be repaired or altered so as to answer the purposes of the Insti- 
tution. That your Committee advise an immediate sale thereof 
with a delay of rendering possession until a temporary building 
for the Academy, etc. may be erected, which your Committee 
recommend. And also that they adopt immediate measures to 
begin and lay the foundation of a new building in the eastern or 
western extremity of the village. And that the interest of your 
funds, the amount of the sale money, and sucli sums as a Com- 
mittee for that jjurpose to be appointed can solicit and obtain from 
the goodness and generosity of our fellow citizens, be applied to 
this purpose. 24th of June 1805." It was then after a consider- 
able de))ate, and by a vote of ten to six, " Resolved, to appropriate 
$3,000 out of the land sales and such additional sum as might be 
procured from sale of the old Academy, to build a new Academy, 
upon such site as might be agreed upon." And by another reso- 
lution the triangular lot where the present building is situated was 
fixed upon as the site. 

On the 10th of l^ecember, 1805, the building committee rej^orted 
the plan and probable expense of a new building, which was 
approved. A motion to rescind the resolution fixing upon the 
triangle as the site for the new building, was defeated by a vote of 
twelve to three. A committee was api:)ointed to solicit subscrip- 
tions, and to apply to the trustees of Kingston ' ' for a further ex- 



HISTOKY OF KTWOSTOK. 363 

tension of theii- generosity to aid in the new proposed Academy 
building;." And a building committee was also appointed. 

At the same meeting it was declared to be " the duty of the Prin- 
cipal, or in his absence his Assistant, to open the school evei-y 
morning with the reading of a chapter out of the Bible and fjrayer. 
That it was the duty of the Pi'inoii)al to attentl during all scliool 
hours, and that the Students do punctually attend prayer under 
the penalty not to exceed llinc cciifs for every omission.'" And 
resolutions were jiassed prohibiting the public exhibition of any 
tragedy, comedy, or farce by the students after the semi-annual 
examinations ; that no student should lie admitted into the acad- 
emy without a receipt that a half-year s tuition had been paid in 
advance ; that no meeting of the board should be held before 
dinner, except on examination days, unless by special order or 
necessity ; and authorizing the jirincipal to fine every student six 
cents neglecting to attend divine worship every Sunday twice witli- 
out a sufficient excuse. 

The students in the academy had a particular place assigned to 
them in the gallery of the Dutch Church, the only church then 
existing in the village, and were re(iuired to occupy that place in 
a body, as well residents as non-residents. The enforcement of the 
above order thus became easy, and it evinces the close watchful- 
ness of the board over the habits and morals of the students. In 
addition to this, no student was jiermittedto be in the streets after 
eight o'clock in tlie eveiung. 

At a meeting of the trustees, held on the 7th day of March. 
1800, the resignation of John Tremper. as one of the committee to 
superintend the building of the new academy, was read and ac- 
cepted, and a committee appointed to put the old academy in re- 
]>air. With these jiroceedings the project for a new building was 
abandoned for many years. 

On the 2oth of October, 1806, a committee was appointed to en- 
gage Mr. James Yanderpoel to supei-iiitend the academy till ^Ir. 
Adams's health should pernut him to resume his duties, and in 
case of his death, untU a new princi])al could be secured. Mr. 
Adams siibsequently tlied, and Gardiner B. Perry was, on the 9th 
of December, 1806, a])poiuted as princijial at a salary of 8700. 

On the 7th of July, 1800, the committee for the sale of lands 
were discharged, and from the proceedings at some of the subse- 
qtient meetings during that and the succeeding year, it would 
ajipeai' that there was some dissatisfaction in reference to theii- 
accounts, and some difficulty in procuring the surrender of the 
papers and a rendition of their accounts. 

On tlie Uitli of ^Uiy. 1807, anothei' committee for the sale of the 
vacant lands was appointed, and they were directed to sell the same. 



364 HISTORY OF KINGSTON, 

At the semi-annual meeting in October, 1807, a committee was 
appointed to regulate the studies to be iDursued in the academy, 
and inquire into the state of the academy and the use made of 
some of the rooms. 

At the semi-annual meeting in May, 1809, it was " Resolved 
that in future all scholars in the Academy under the care of the 
Principal Teacher, be charged S15 per year except the young ladies 
learning reading, writing, etc., that they be charged $10, and those 
scholars in the English School be also charged §10." 

At the semi annual meeting in September, 1810, a sale of the 
triangular lot was authorized, and a committee appointed for that 
purpose. At the same meeting an unfortunate state of the finances 
is shadowed forth by the passage of a resolution directing the 
treasurer to h-dvefive hundred printed letters struck off, and that 
he send one to every defaulter on the books of the trustees. 

At a special meeting on the 21st day of January, 1811, a com- 
mittee was appointed to solicit pecuniaiy aid for the academy from 
the regents of the university, the Legislature, and the citizens of 
Ulster County. At the same meeting the authority to sell the 
ti'iangular lot was rescinded. 

In the year 1812 the Rev. John Gosman was elected president of 
the board, and in the same year the Rev. Jabez Munsell was aji- 
pointed principal of the academy, and the price of tuition raised 
to $20 per annum. 

At a meeting of the trustees on the 29th day of April, 1814, it 
was " Resolved that Mr. Munsell be requested to see that all the 
Students of the Academy are at their lodgings in summer by 
9 o'clock, and 7 in winter." How hapjiy it woidd be if such rule, 
including boys generally, could be established and enforced at the 
present day ! How many it would snatch from the jaws of dissipa- 
tion and vice ! 

At a meeting of the trustees on the 7th of May, 1816, the 
Monthly Examining Committee, Rev. Mr. Gosman, Mr. J. Sudam, 
and Mr. Z. Schoonmaker, were instructed strictly to examine into 
the education of the students. On the 11th of October following, 
the conmiittee reported favorably upon tlie examinations, except 
that they found a defect in grammar, which ]\Ir. Munsell had 
promised to attend to. This report shows that in those days such 
committees discharged their duties. 

In 1817 Mr. Munsell, having resigned, was succeeded by Mi". 
Malbone Kenyon as princnpal, at a salary of $600. 

At a meeting of the trustees on the 27th of June, 1817, it was 
agreed that Mi'. Kenyon might receive into his school such young 
ladies as he miglit tliink proper to teach in the higher branches of 
the English language, etc., and also such young gentlemen as he 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 365 

might think proper under the direction of the School Committee. 
Diirini,^ tliis year the linanccs liad rPiwhed a very disordered con- 
dition, and a bank loan of ij^KMHi was made to satisfy arrearages. 

On the 21st of January, 1818, it was resolved that all vacancies 
in the board thereafter, occasioned by resignation or otlierwise, l)e 
not tilled, so that the numbtn- of the trustees be reduced to twelve, 
according to the act of the Legislature of the session of 1816. 

At the sairie meeting, the board having received notice of Mi-. 
Kenyon's intention to resign at the end of the current year, ap- 
pointed a committee with authority to engage some proper person 
as principal, and to offer him sJlTiO jier annum and tlie proceeds of the 
tuition money for the instiniction of twenty-four pupils, but no 
more. After which, and in the month of April following, Mr. 
Sidney Weller was engaged as principal upon those terms, except 
that he was allowed to take thirty pupils. On the 16th of October. 

1818, the trustees authorized the numl)er of Mr. Weller s scholars 
to be enlarged to forty, on condition that he procure an usher to 
be approved by the Visiting Comnnttee, thus carefidwas the board 
of that day that the students shoidd not be neglected by over- 
crowded rooms and an insufficient number of teachers. In May, 

1819, ^Ir. Weller resigned, and he wa,s succeeded by a Mr,^ Smith, 
lie resigned after remaining about a year, and then the use of the 
upper room was granted by the trustees to Mr. French, an English 
teacher, until a classical teacher should be procured. 

AVe have now reached, in this historic sketch, the lowest ebb in 
the tide of progress of this time-honored institution. From an 
institution standing for many years at the head of the academies 
in the State, boasting to have numl)ered among its pupils many 
who afterward became distinguished among the first and leading 
men in the State, we tind it at this date struggling under pecuniary 
embarrassnu^nts, and without a chissical department. Other rival 
institutions had sprung u}) and been established in all directions, 
which cut off its foreign sujiport and threw it entirely upon its home 
patronage. That unfortimately proved insufficient to sustain it. 

In this sketch we have tlius far limited our notice to the prog- 
ress of the classical department, and indeed up to this time the 
care and attention of the board had lieen to a great extent contined 
to that department. The lower English branches liad been con- 
stantly taught by teachers occupying some of the lower rooms in 
the academy, but although under the supervision of the board, 
were not recognized a-s belonging to the academy j)roper. 

The first entry in the minutes in reference to the English school 
is under date of May 2d, 18(H), when it was " Resolved that Mi-. 
Martin Stanley have the iise of the lower west room of the Academy 
for teaching the English language, mathematics, etc., etc. ; that he 



•\ / 



366 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

become subject to a committee of the Board, and confonn to such 
rules and regulations as the Trustees might think proper to adopt." 

On the 21st of January, 1803, the same room was granted to 
James Shields. In July, 1804, it was granted to Amos G. Baldwin. 

On the 17th of May, 1808, it was " Resolved that a teacher be 
employed by the Trustees, to teach an English school in the Acad- 
emy under their direction and for their benefit." An English 
school was then established under the charge of ISIr. L. Ruggles. 
He resigned at the expiration of about one year, and was succeeded 
by Mr. Oliphant. In Sejitember, 1810, Edward O'Neil succeeded 
Mr. Oliphant. On the 12th of May, 1812, it was " Resolved that 
the whole English department be abolished after September next," 
and in September, 1812, it was ' ' Resolved to rent out the English 
School room." Mr. O'Neil continued in the occupancy under the 
new arrangement. On the 7th of May, 1816, a resolution to give 
the trustees of the common school the control of the lower rooms 
was negatived, and it was determined that 8150 and no moi'e would 
be given to any teacher to he employed in the English school-room, 
that he be limited to forty scholars, and be under the direction of 
the trustees and principal of the academy. Tuition fees to be $10, 
and nothing to be taught to interfere with the upper room. A 
contract upon this basis was made with Nathaniel Periy for in- 
structing the English school, and it is dated May 9th, 1816. 

This plan was abandoned, and on the 7th of March, 1817, it was 
agreed that Cornelius Tappen might have the English school in the 
academy from the 1st of May then next, keei^ing it in good 
repair, and under such directions as he should receive from the 
trustees. 

In October, 1817, the grant of the lower ro(jm to Cornelius 
Tappen was revoked, and tlie I'oom was placed at the disi)osal of 
the Visiting Committee. It was subsequently occupied by Messrs. 
Morris and Walworth in succession, when Mr. French was appointed, 
with power to occujjy the ui:)per room until a classical teacher was 
procured, as before referred to. 

The academy in its organization and early progress was confined 
entirely to tlie instruction of young men. Young ladies w^ere not 
allowed to participate in its benefits. Shortly after its incorpora- 
tion, and during the administration of Mr. Smith, thi'ee young ladies 
were by special privilege permitted to receive evening lessons froin 
the principal, and have the use of the maps and globes. They 
were, JSIiss Catharine Van Gfaasbeek, a poetess of considerable 
eminence, who afterward married Mr. Martin Stanley, of East 
Hartford, Conn., and was the mother of A. D. Stanley, late Pro- 
fessor of Mathematics in Yale College ; Miss Catharine Hasl)rouck, 
who afterward married the late Severyn Bruyn, and Miss Cornelia 



HISTORY OF KINOSTOX. 367 

Marius Groen, who afterward married the late Zachariah Schoon- 
niaker, and was the mother of the writer. 

lu 18()9 it appears, from an entry in the minutes, that some 
young ladies had been allowed admission into the academy, and 
their late of tniticm was established at !?1(). At the semi-annual 
meeting in May, 1809, it was " Resolved that the Principal of tlie 
Academy have the right of appointing one of the young ladies, his 
scholars, as a teacher to the females under his care ; that that 
teacher shall not be charged anything for tuition." At a special 
meeting held in the month of December, 1810, the board confirmed 
an agreement made with Miss Wells, as female teacher, and " Re- 
solved, that the School for females be ('ontinued ;" and a <!om- 
mittee was appointed to procure a female teacher caj)able of teach- 
ing painting, embroidery, and, if possible, other line arts. A Miss 
Paine was subsequently employed. But at a special meeting held 
on the 29th of January, 1812, the female department of the academy 
was ordered discontinued. 

Afterward at a meeting of tlie trustees, on the 27th of June, 
1817, the i)rincipal of the academy was allowed by the board to 
oi)en the upper room to such young ladies as desired to study the 
iiigher branches of tlie English language, etc. This privilege con- 
tinued in force until 1S2U. 

This academical sketch has now been brought do^vn to the date 
at which it is proposed to close this history. But it is proper to 
add tliat the academy struggled along under the charge of the 
trustees with varying success until 1864, when it was merged into 
tlie free-school system and surrender<>d to the control of tlie Kings- 
ton Board of Education, under which, with an almost unlinuted 
control of the public funds, there is no reason why it should not be 
maintained at as high a grade as any other institution of the kind 
in tlie country. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

LOCAL MATTERS — DISPOSITION OF CORPORATE PROPERTY — ORGAN- 
IZATION OF VILLAGE — DISSOLUTION OF TRUSTEES, 1816. 

AT the time of the Revolution that part of Kingston then 
known and designated as "the plains" was lying entirely 
open and in coninions, and was not built upon. It comprised all 
the territory lying east of a line drawn from Pearl Street to St. 
James' Street along the easterly bounds of the lots now known as 
the Sahler Lot in Pearl Street and the Jackson Lot in Maiden Lane, 
and between Albany Avenue on the north and St. James' Street on 
the south, and it extended to the ring fence of tlie Armbowery. 

The trustees caused all that territory to be laid out in lots and 
a map made thereof, and sold a large portion of it as building lots. 
Thej'^ required every purchaser to liind liimself, in the penalty of 
sixty pounds and forfeiture of his lot, to build thereon and improve 
the same within two years from the date of the purchase. When 
the two years had expired a large majority of the purchasers had 
failed to comply, and had not made any advance toward the improve- 
ment of their lots. At first an extension was given. But the parties 
still neglecting to improve, the lots were declared forfeited, and legal 
proceedings authorized to enforce the forfeiture and collect the 
l)enalty of the bonds. There was considerable discussion and ne- 
gotiation between the parties, and the purchasei's demanded to be re- 
funded the purchase money paid. This was absolutely refused by 
resolution of the trustees on the 26th day of May, 1784. Then it was 
agreed to have one suit brought and tried as a test suit. This, how- 
ever, was delayed, and discussions and negotiations were almost con- 
tinually pending ; finally, however, on the 26th of Febiiiary, 1790, a 
numl)er of the purcluisers appeared and offered to pay sixty shillings 
apiece moi'e for their lots if the trustees would surrender their bonds. 
The trustees resolved that they would then, for the last time, offer 
that, if any whose lots were forfeited and bonds left in the hands 
of tlie trustees would reconvey their lots to the trustees the next 
Monday, they should have their forfeited bonds of sixty pounds 
returned to them. But all tliose wlio refused to comjily must abide 
tlie consequences. Samuel Freer, Andries I)e Witt, Jr., Peter 
Marius Groen, Peter Roggen, Jonathan Elmendorf, Coenradt G. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 369 

Elmendorf, Cornelius Persen, and Judge Dirck Wynkoop complied 
by reconveyances and took up their bonds. What was the result 
as to the other defaulters the trustees have not registered in their 
minutes. 

At a meeting on the Hth day of November in that same year, 
1790, the trustees " Kesolved that the lot of land, known to be the 
water pond or ploss, on the plains which lies between the house of 
Abraham A'osbnrgh, where he now lives, and Col Hasbrouck's 
house and orchard to the west, and adjoining David Dehimeter and 
Wessel Ten Broeck lots to South west, l)eing a ti'iangidar piece of 
land, the whole lot is reserved to build an alms house on, for the 
use of the corporation, at the request of William Ellsworth Jr." 
This lot is wliat in subseipient years was known as the *' first plains," 
and that portion thereof east of Clinton Avenue is now occupied by 
Kingston Academy. The western ])art is coveivd with residences. 

Before being tlius ocH-upied the first plains lay in commons for 
many years, fuiTiishing a tine sporting ground for the boys — ball 
ground and other anuisements in spring, summer, and fall, and good 
skating always after the January thaw in winter. 

The second plains, lying beyond the junction of Maiden Lane 
and All)any Avenue, was used as a parade ground for companies' 
and otticers' i)arade. It was eventually sold at sheriffs sale under 
a judgment against the trustees. Under the title acquired by that 
sale it has of late years been built upon and improved. 

In 1788, when Congress and the nation were looking round for 
a permanent and suitable place for the location of the national 
capital, the goodly burghers of Kingston concluded that this of all 
others was the most appropriate spot. Accordingly, the tinistees 
of the corporation, at their meeting held on the 29tli day of Jan- 
uary, 1783, as a preliminary move toward the accomplishment of 
their object, adopted the following resolution : 

" Resolved That a petition be draughted to lay before the inhab- 
itants of this town, in order that the Trustees may know the sense of 
their constituents, whether it will be agreeable to them that the 
lion, the Congress of the United States shall come and I'eside 
within this town." 

The trustees then appointed several committees to visit the 
different sections of the town " to collect the minds of the inhab 
itants thereon." 

On the 7th day of February, 1783, they by resolution directed 
their speaker to sign a memorial to the Legislature " praying that 
their estate be erected into a separate disti'ict for the Hon. the 
Congress of the United States." 

On the 7th day of March, 1783, they " Resolved unanimously, 
that the President or Speaker sign and seal with the corporation 
24 



370 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

seal, a certain instrument in writing, granting to the Congress of 
the United States one mile square of land within the limits of this 
town, in case they shall think proper to come and reside there." 

On the 13th day of March, 1783, they received a letter from 
the Hon. Robert R. Livingston encouraging them with a prospect 
of success in their application to Congress. They directed Mr. 
Tappen, their secretary, to draught a letter to Mr. Livingston and 
enclose therewith copies of the aforesaid resolutions and papers. 

The State Legislature at once seconded the application, as 
appears by the following proceedings in the Assembly : 

" On the 14th day of March, 1783, a message was received in 
the Assembly of the State of New York, from the Honorable the 
Senate, advising the Assembly that the Senate had agreed to cer- 
tain resolutions relative to the township of Kingston ; to which 
they requested the concurrence of the House." The resolutions 
being read and considered by the Assembly, it was ' ' Resolved That 
this house do concur with the Honorable the Senate in the said 
resolutions, and thereupon sent a committee to the Senate notify- 
ing them of their concurrence." 

The resolutions were as follows : 

" Whereas in the opinion of this Senate, it will be advancive of 
the public weal of these United States, to f uinish Congress with 
the means of establishing their fixed residence within this State ; 
and whereas it also appears to this Senate, that the township of 
Kingston in the County of Ulster, within this State, will afford a 
suitable situation for that purpose. 

" And whereas the Inhabitants of the Corx)oration of the said 
township, the bounds whereof are very extensive, have offered, as 
an inducement for the purpose aforesaid, to grant to the United 
States in Congress assembled, a sufficient quantity of land within 
the said township), to secure to Congress a place of residence ade- 
quate to their dignity, with all the reasonable piivileges which are 
in their power to grant ; and to subject themselves within the 
bounds of the said township, to such regulations, for the purpose 
of giving an exempt jurisdiction to Congress, as in the judgment 
of the Legislature can constitutionally be provided, for securing 
and perpetuating, as well such exempt jurisdiction, as any corpo- 
rate rights, which the Legislature may judge proper to grant to the 
United States in Congress assembled and to their successors forever. 

" Resolved (If the Honorable the House of Assembly concur 
herein) as follows viz First That in case the Corporation of the said 
Township shall offer to the United States in Congress assembled 
sucli grnnt of lands, and other rights and privileges within the 
said Township, as may be lawfully offered, and they shall judge 
proper to accept, the Legislature of this State will incorporate nn-T 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 371 

capacitate them for that purpose, if such grant be not inconsistent 
with the laws of the land." 

Then followed another, the second resolution, conferring juris- 
diction over such territory to the United States in case of its adop- 
tion as the seat of Government of tlu^ United States. 

Copies of the resolutions of the Legislature of New York, 
together with the petition and jiroposals of the trustees and citizens 
of the town of Kingston, were forwarded to Philadelphia for pres- 
entation to the Congress of the Confederation by Governor Clinton, 
accompanied by a letter, of whicli the following is a copy : 

" Kingston, 2nth March 1788 
■'SiK 

" I have the honor to transmit to your Excellenc.y, an act of the 
(^oi']ioration of Kingston, and joint resolutions of both houses of 
the Legislature of this State, resi)e('tiug a fixed residence and an 
exempt jurisdiction for the accommodation of Congress. These 
papers are accompanied by a nuij) which will point out the situa- 
tion and extent oT the corporate hinds. 

" Their charter rights are ample, and their title unexception- 
able. 

" Without entering into the merits of the proposition as it 
respects the Honorable Congress of this State, it is my duty to 
declare, that the zealous and uniform efforts of the Inhabitants of 
Kingston in the cause of liberty, and the calamities which they 
have suffered from the vengeance of Britain, avowedly for their 
distinguished i)atriotistn, entitles them to consideration ; and it is 
with great pleasure that I submit their wishes to the attention of 
Congress 

" I have the Honor to be with great esteem and respect 
•' Your Excellency's Most Obed't Serv't 

" Geo. Clinton 
•' To His Excellency The President of Congress.'''' 

The ])apers thus forwarded were duly ])resented to the Congress 
of the Confederation, and referred by them to the committee having 
that subject under consideration. 

On the 4th day of June, 1783, the committee reported the follow- 
ing resolution, which was adopted : 

" Resolved that copies of the act of the Legislature of Maryland 
relative to tlie cession of the city of Annapolis to Congress for 
their permanent residence and also copies of the act of the Legis- 
lature of New York relative to tlu^ cession of the town of Kingston, 
for the same purpose, together with the pai)ers which accompanied 
both acts, be transmitted to the Executive of the respective States, 



372 HISTORY OF KINGSTON^ 

and tliat they be informed by the President that Congress have 
assigned the first Monday in October next for taking the said offers 
into consideration." 

On the 11th day of July, 1783, the trustees received a letter 
from liis Excellency Governor Clinton enclosing the preceding reso- 
lution of Congress, also resolutions of the Corporation of Annapolis 
and of the Maryland Legislature in relation to their offers to Con- 
gress to remove and reside among them. They at once referred the 
papers to Messrs. De Witt and Tappen, as a committee to take such 
measures in regard to the same as they might deem necessary, and 
report thereon. 

On the 22d of September the trustees received letters from Hon. 
William Floyd and Alexander Hamilton, delegates in Congress, 
suggesting that the trustees had not been sufficiently liberal in 
their grant of lands to Congress, and that if they had tendered two 
miles square instead of one, they might have had some hopes of 
success. The trustees then at once directed an offer to be made to 
Congress, through their representatives, of two miles square for 
their permanent residence. 

On the 22d day of August, 1783, the trustees passed a resolution 
designating Messrs. A. De Witt and Christopher Tapjjen a com- 
mittee to call upon Chancellor Livingston and consiUt with him in 
regard to the residence of Congress. 

There are no further entries in the minutes of the trustees in 
regard to the Congressional residence. Congress took no definite 
action on the subject under the Confederation. 

On the 29th of Janiuiry, 1782, it was resolved, at a meeting of 
the Board of Trustees, to present a petition to the Legislature for 
the erection of the Court. House and jails in Kingston, and they 
appointed Messrs. De Witt and Tappen, together with Mr. Addison, 
to prepare the same. 

Soon after this the Court House was rebuilt. It contained 
family rooms on the first floor, court-room on the second floor. 
The judges' bench was against the rear wall of the building, and 
behind it was a large frame containing the coat-of-arms of the 
State. The bar was directly in front of the judges' bench, with 
grand Jury benches on one side and the petit Jury benches on the 
other. An aisle led from the entrance along the Jury benches and 
bar to the north wall ; from that aisle back to the front of the 
bxiilding were the seats of the spectators rising one above the other 
as you proceeded back, so that the rear bench came within seven or 
eight feet of the ceiling. There were two jury-rooms on the same 
floor with the court-room. The jail and dungeons were in the 
Boiith end of the building. 

The Court House was set back from the street about the same 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 373 

distance as the present one. In the front yard A\'as the whipping- 
post, and when it was in vogue a to^vn whipper was a reguhir office- 
holder a])i)ointed by tlie trustees, and women wei'e not always 
exempt from the lash. In the front yard, alongside of the en- 
ti-ance walk, were the stocks. Men and boys were fastened therein 
for minor offences. Lonngei's along the streets on Sundays and 
boys playing truant about the streets during school hours on week 
days were treated to the enjoyment of the stocks for a season. 
Mr. Benjamin Newkirk, an old resj)ected citizen of this jjlace, who 
has by some yeai's passed fourscore yeai's and ten, says tliat he has 
seen persons confined in the stocks, and that the boys would some- 
times salute those enjoying such privileges with sweet-scented 
rotten eggs. 

The appointment of town whipper is recorded a number of times, 
with the compensation designated, in the minutes of the trustees. 

Two instances of such appointment are as follows : At a meet- 
ing of tlie trustees held on the 2()th of September, 1788, it was 
•' Resolved that Anthony Baroon be appointed town whipper, and 
that the trustees pay a fine of £8, for which he stands comnutted, 
besides 20/ for the expenses of his ccmimituient, for which sum, he 
the said Baroon has engaged to whip the first ten offenders who 
shall be sentenced to corporal punishment." 

On the IDth of February, 17'J(t, •' Anthony Baroon waited on 
the Trustees, and said he had fulfilled his former engagement as 
Town whijiper faithfully, and would now agree for another year. 
The Trustees agreed with said Baroon for one year more, and were 
to give him three pounds, and also the rent of the land he lived on. 
Provided he serve our Corporation as Town whij)per one year at all 
times when requested and not fail." 

The Hudson Hiver along the boundaries of the old toMTi of 
Kingston has always, since the first settlement of the country, been 
celebrated as a fishing place for shad and herring during the season 
thereof. Before the i^resent great conveniences for travel, the 
inhabitants for many miles in the interior made an annual pilgrim- 
age to Kingston to procure a yearly supj)ly of shad and herring. 
In process of tiuie, as population increased, it became quite an ex- 
tensive and profitable trade. People came from a distance as great 
as forty or fifty miles to buy their shad ;ind herring by the hun- 
dred. They salted the principal part of them down, and smoked 
the remainder. 

The ti'ustees, after their organization, assumed the right to con- 
trol the fisheries, and leased the fishing grounds to individuals, and 
protected them as far as jiossible in their assumed rights. Al- 
though the question of jurisdiction over the soil and flats in the 
river, sufficient to give exclusive right, might have been questioned, 



374 . HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

still, as the preparation of the flats and channel by the removal of 
stones, rocks, and other obstructions required much labor, the right 
was generally permitted to pass unquestioned, and many of the 
privileges thus acquired are enjoyed to the present day by the 
descendants of the original proprietors or their assigns. 

This digression is called for by an entry in the trustee minutes 
under date of the 1st day of April, 1782, as follows : 

" Cap Evert Bogardus and John McLean came in and exhibited 
a complaint against persons for infringing on the lil)erties of fishing 
at the fishing place, and informed them that they and others had 
cleared a place and enjoyed it for a number of years ; that if the 
trustees will let them and the Houghtelings enjoy their privilege, 
they are willing to pay a rent for the same." The trustees then 
" Resolved that an advertisement be fixed up and that the clerk 
draught the same." 

The clerk immediately draughted a notice for that purpose. It 
was approved, and ordered to be posted at some of the most public 
places in the town. 

What the advertisement actually was there is no mode of ascer- 
taining, but it is suj^posed to have been a notice or order forbidding 
an interference with fishing rights. 

Tlie troubles of the lishermen apparently continued, and tliey 
were not allowed by outsiders to enjoy their privileges unmolested, 
as appears by a petition which was presented to the trustees early 
in the fishing season of 1797, as follows, showing, in the language 
of the lisherinen, the rights claimed in regard thereto : 

" To the Honorable Trustees of the town of Kingston 

" The petition of us Freeholders and Inhabitants of the town of 
Kingston Humbly showeth ; That whereas we are in possession of 
valuable fisheries, within the bounds of your corporation, which 
we sujjpose of right belongs to you and us solely, and to no other 
town or place — Beg your interposition in our behalf, that you, 
through your wisdom would pass a law forl)idding all and every 
person, not belonging to our said corporation, to fisli on any ground 
covered with water within our said town of Kingston, on pain of 
paying such fine, as you through your great wisdom sliall think 
tit ; and we your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever jjray 
" Date Kingston March 22ud 1797 

" Jonas Van Aken, Geirit Freer Jun, Cornelius Houghteling, 
Peter Van Aken, William Freer, Benjamin A Van Aken, Abraham 
P Van Aken, Jacob Van Aken, Benjamin Van Aken, Moses York, 
Abraham Van Aken, John Van Bergen, Peter Ostrander, John 
Schryber, Henry Peaslow Jr, Antony Peaslow, Cobus Degraff, 
John Lifts, Cornelius Delamater Jr, Marinus Van Aken, Benjamin 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 375 

Delamater Jr, John Pongh, John P Sleght, Abraham C Delainater; 
Jeremiah Houghteling, John Wiest, Martinns Eckart Jun, Jolm 
Van Aken." 

Althoii<i]i it liiis not heon nnoonimnn to throw out suggestions 
and shirs against tlie inhabitants of Ki<igston in regard to their 
want in those days of enterprise in reference to the building of 
roads and opening thoroughfares to the interior, it will be found, 
in a careful study of history, that they were among the first to 
move in that direction, and their failure was from other causes 
beyond their control, and not from a sleejiy want of enterprise. 

It appears that as early as the 2Sth day of August, 1783, when 
the din and tunnoil of battle in the land had scarcely lulled, the 
trustees made arrangements to make explorations westward toward 
the Sclioharie Kill and Paghketaghan, for the pur[:)ose of layiiig 
out roads in that part of the country ; and in the following yeai-, 
on the 18th day of August, after considerable discussion as to their 
right to a]ipropriate money for improvements outside of the town 
limits, they resolved that they had the ]iower, and then at oiu-e 
contril)uted two hundred dollars to aid in building a load toward 
the Schoharie Kill ; this was in addition to jirivate subscriptions. 
On the 7tli day of Octobei', 1783, the trustees appointed Johnuuis 
Persen and Philip Houghteling superintendents of the work in 
making su<'h road. 

On the '2d day of May, 178r), the trustees passed a resolution 
that if the ministers, elders, and deacons of the Dutch Church of 
this town concur therein, that the said church and the trustees do 
purchase for the use of the minister presiding in said church a lot 
of low land for pastui-age or other j)urposes. 

The Consistory of the church having assented to the proposition 
for the pun^liase of a lot of about four a<'res from Jacob Ten Broeck, 
it was done, and the trustees paid one half the purchase money. 

In 1797 an act was passed by the Legislature authorizing " the 
Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Kings- 
ton or a major part of them to organize a fire deitartment consist- 
ing of men residing within half a mile of the court house, not ex- 
ceeding twenty to a tire engine, to lie called the Firemen of the 
town of Kingston." The act also conferred ujion the said trustees 
power to establish and ordain rules for the government, i)erform- 
ance of duty, and behavior of tlie liieinen as su<'h. 

Under the provision of tliat act, the trustees at once nuiile pro- 
vision for the organization of a tire department to take charge of 
the engine which they had already procui-ed in the place of the one 
destroyed at the burning of the vilhige. For that purpose, on the 
19th of May, 1797, they appointed Coenradt Ed. Elmendorf captain j 



376 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

and Henry Eltinge, lie^^tenant, or second captain, of a fire company 
to be organized to take charge of the engine. 

The trustees at the same time appointed a committee to enlist 
the number of firemen allowed by law, and give them the proper 
certificates. 

Mr. Elmendorf held the office for about one year, when on the 
23d day of May, 1798, he resigned the position ; the trustees ac- 
cepted his resignation, and appointed Nicholas Vanderlyn, Jr., 
captain of the fii'e company in his stead. 

The fire company thus organized in 1797 disbanded in the year 
1802. On the 9th day of June in that year a new company was 
organized, the requisite number of firemen appointed, and Nicholas 
Vanderlyn, Jr., commissioned as commanding officer. The fire- 
engine was then intrusted to their keeping. 

It does not appear that at the first organization there were any 
rules established for the government and discipline of the com- 
pany ; but shortly after the reorganization the following salutary 
rules were established and promulgated to enforce practice and dis- 
cipline. Without practice and discipline fire companies at a fire 
are as much out of their element as raw militiamen opposed to 
regular, disciplined soldiers in battle. The rules as established 
were comprised in the following resolutions adopted by the trus- 
tees : 

" Resolved that Nicholas Vanderlyn Jr who has heretofore been 
appointed Captain of the Fire Engine Company in this town, or in 
his absence the next commanding officer of the said company, have 
power at all times to call out and command every person enrolled 
in his company, to attend at such times and places as he shall think 
proper, at least once in fourteen days during the summer season, 
and once every month during the winter and the rest of the year, 
to work examine and keep the said fire engine belonging to the 
corporation in good repair. 

" Resolved that in case any person or persons, belonging to his 
company, shall after due notice given neglect or refuse to attend, 
at the time and place ordered and directed, by the said Nicholas 
Vanderlyn Jr, or shall be disobedient to his directions or order, 
that he or they sliall be liable to a fine not to exceed $1 for every 
such refusal to be recovered agreeable to law in that case made and 
provided." 

The trustees had uniformly from the time of their incorporation 
taken care of the poor of the town and provided for their wants. 
A law had also, in addition to the provisions of their charter, been 
enacted by the colonial Legislature in 1770, expressly charging the 
trustees with the duty of providing for the jioor of the town, and, 
in fact, constituting them the overseers of the poor of said town. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 377 

and cliarged with the perfoniiance of the duties enjoined by the 
tlien existing laws upon overseers of the poor. Under tlieir author- 
ity as overseers they prohibited tlie bringing of poor persons into 
the town, and in case any were brought in they at once ejected 
them therefrom, unless a responsible freeholder of the town became 
security to indemnify the town against their becoming a town 
charge. In January, 178(), not as overseers of the poor, but as 
guardians of the corporate property, they adopted an addition to 
tile town ordinances, prohibiting strangers from becoming residents 
of the town until they gave security to the trustees that they would 
not cut an}' timber upon the commons without leave, or would pay 
to the trustees £10 for a license. 

The question in regard to building an almshouse had been up 
for consideration sev(M-al times in the Board of Trustees. At a 
meeting of the trustees held on the oth day of November, 1790, the 
question again came up, when, at request of William Ellsworth, Jr., 
the following resolution was adopted : '' Resolved that the lot of 
land, known to be the water ])ond or j^loss, on the plains which lies 
between the house of Abraham \'osburgh, where he now lives, and 
Col Hasbrouck's house and orchard to the west, and adjoining- 
David Delamater and AVessel Ten T^roeck lot, to South west being 
a triangular piece of land, the wliole lot is reserved to build an 
alms house on, for the use of the corporation." This description 
covers the lot (m which the academy now stands, together witli the 
•lots on the west side of Clinton Avenue up to the stone buildings 
still standing there. 

It api)ears, however, that on the -iSth day of January following 
(1791), they concluded that a more desirable location could be 
found for the contemplated almshouse, as the Lefferts property 
was about to be sold, and therefore authoriz(>d Mr. Van Buren and 
Ml-. Marius Gfroen " to purchase the house, barn orchard and 
upland on the west side of the lane leading to Flat-Bush formerly 
known to be the property of Jacobus Lefferts supposed to be about 
ten acres for an alms house for Kingston but they are not to give 
more than £800 for the same." 

The purchase was not made, however. It is supposed because on 
sale it went beyond their limit. 

The question in regard to l)uilding an almshouse appears to 
have rested quietly until the 30th day of January, 1799, when a 
committee was appointed to inquire and report upon the expedi- 
em-y of building a poorhouse, and witli that reference all efforts 
tlierefor appear to have ended. Subsequently the lot originally 
reserved for the almshouse, or, ratluM-, that part thereof lying east 
of East Front Street, now Clinton Avenue, was conveyed to the 
trustees of Kingston Academy as the site for a new academy build- 



378 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

ing, and there tlie academy now stands, the " ploss " being removed 
by a drain to the lowlands. 

The trustees for over a century had had the guardianship and 
control of the common property, selling it in small parcels as needed 
for improvement and ciiltivation, and the question then became 
prominent whether they should not surrender their trust in the 
lands, and parcel them out upon some equitable principle among 
the cestui que trusts, at the same time making provision for the 
discharge of their duties as almoners to the poor and destitute. 

The first proposition on the subject came before the trustees at 
a meeting held on the 13th day of September, 1799, in the fomi of 
a suggestion to convey to such persons as may be entitled thereto, 
under the terms of the charter, in severalty, a lot in the commons 
containing not more than thirty nor less than ten acres, to be set 
aside and kept solely for the growth and preservation of wood. 
The conveyance to contain a proviso that if any grantee should 
dispose of the lot conveyed to him, the trustees would be entitled 
to demand $2 per acre for the benefit of the poor fund. The propo- 
sition was adopted subject to the approval of a majority of the 
inhabitants. Committees were appointed to visit the difl'erent sec- 
tions of the town, and ascertain the feelings of the people on the 
question. Thus it appears that the tnistees, in order to ascertain 
the wishes of the jieople, instead of adopting the uncertain criterion 
of the ballot, resorted to personal interviews. 

On the 3()th t)f June, 1800, a committee which had been previ- 
ously appointed to report upon the financial condition of the coi'- 
poration, and make a statement of the annual revenues and contin- 
gent expenses, reported that they had found the amount of interest 
due on bonds and notes, £34.'> 6 (i 

Rent in arrear 3171 bush, of wheat @ 8/, 1268 8 

733 fowls, 36 13 

£T65(FyTi 
Annual income : 
720 bush, of wheat for rent (To 8/, £288 

£3(500 out at interest, whereof 

about £600 are bad debts, 180 

About $200 annual excise, 80 

Rent payable in money, 10 17 

£564 17 

The trustees at the same meeting appointed their speaker, Peter 
Marius Grroen, with Christopher Tappen and Tobias \^an Buren, a 
committee to report a plan for the conveyance of a part of the 
commons of the town to the inhabitants thereof for the future pres- 
ervation of the wood. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 879 

No definite proceedings appear to liave been taken under the 
last-mentioned resolntinn, and the matter was left in abeyance 
until llS(i:5, wlien at a meeting of the trustees on the 1st day of 
April in that year, the speaker, Peter Marius Groen, having been 
at some time theretofoi'e i-equested by the trustees to prei^ire a. 
plan and set of resolutions for the sale and conveyance of the lauds 
belonging to the corporation, to the freeholders and inhabitants of 
the town, reported the following resolutions, which were read and 
adopted by the board : 

" 1. Resolved that the Trustees do sell and convey in fee simple, 
to the pei'sons htreinafter classed and described, all the lands to 
them granted by their charter of Incorporati(m not yet conveyed ; 
excejtting however that part adjoining the east bounds of the town 
of Hurley, and extending therefrom to the north side of the 
Rondout ("reek. 

' ' 2. Resolved that all heads of families, if he she or they were born 
within the bounds of the town of Kingston, and are now resident of 
the same, and are possessed of a freehold estate to the value of £200 
or ujnvard, shall be entitled to a 4.') acre lot in the Commons, in con- 
sideration of *16.50 to be by them paid on delivery of their deed. 

" S Resolved That the heirs and devisees of such persons, as 
were born in said town, wIkmi the 'iVstators or Intestates possessed 
a freehold estate of tlie value of £200 at the time of their death, 
and wlieu the said heirs or devisees are in possession of the same, 
and living witliin tlie limits of the town aforesaid, at the present 
time, the said heirs or devisees shall be entitled to a 45 acre lot to 
be released to them as tenants in common for the like consideration 
of jlKJ.riO. 

" 4. Resolved that all and every person born and residing in 
the town aforesaid, who are not possessed of a freehold estate of 
the value of £20u, but possessed of a freehold not less in value 
than £100, shall be entitled to a lot of 30 acres in the consideration 
of $12.75 

'* 5. Resolved that every head of a family, if he she or they be 
bom in the said town, and now living in the same, or who have 
gained a legal settlement or are possessed of a freehold, less than 
£200, but more than £100, shall be entitled to a 80 acre lot in the 
like consideration of 812.75 

" 6. Resolved that every head of a familj- not born, but now re- 
siding in the town aforesaid and have so resided previous to the 
year 1777 and gained a legal settlement, and are possessed of a free- 
hold estate to the value of £100, shall be entitled to a 30 acre lot, 
in consideration of s^o. 

' ' 7.§Resolved that every head of a family, not bom, but now resid- 
ing in this town, and have done so since the said year 1777, and are 



380 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

possessed of a freehold estate to the value of £100, shall be entitled 
to a 30 acre lot, in consideration of $40. 

" 8. Resolved that after the distribution aforesaid, in case any 
lots be unappropriated, the same shall be conveyed to the Free- 
holders born and residing in said town, in ratio of the freeholders 
hereinbefore stipulated. 

" Lastly : Resolved that Christopher Tappen and John A De 
Witt be and it is hereby agreed by the said Trustees, that they 
survey and lay into lots of 30 and 45 acres, or as near as may be, 
all the lands belonging to this corporation, and that they be paiid 
out of the Treasury of this corporation the sum of $4 for each lot, 
so to be surveyed, or by them caused to be surveyed, including the 
drawing of deeds for each respective lot, and for a general map or 
maps when the whole business shall be completed." 

The divisions were subsequently made, and the lands distributed 
among the inhabitants and freeholders according to the resohitions. 
The territory was divided into classes, as follows, as set forth in the 
balloting or distribution book : Supples Hook, 11 lots ; Clove, 103 
Three Mile, 34 ; Binnewater, 150 ; Pine Bush, 50 ; Flat Bush, 68 
First class, north of Esopus Kill, 97 ; second do, 83 ; third do, 80 
fourth do, 70 ; fifth class west of Caatsbaan, 64 ; sixth do, 65 ; sev- 
enth do, 62 ; northwest class, 100 ; southwest, 113 ; west and ad- 
joining Esopus Creek, 12 ; first class south of Rondout Creek, 54 ; 
Huzzy Hill lots do, 22 ; second class do south of road, 116 ; do east 
of road, 24. 

It appearing that in the distribution of lots in the commons the 
inhabitants of the village of Kingston had not fared as well in the 
quality and character of the lots set apart for them as the residents 
of other parts of the town, the trustees on the 10th day of January, 
1804, " Resolved that the lands reserved by the resolution of the 
1st of april then last, between the Kuyck ITyt and the Rondout 
Kill and bounds of Hurley, be laid out in ten acre lots as a com- 
pensation to the inhabitants of the village of Kingston, whose lots 
have been considered as inferior in quality to the other parts of the 
town." 

The lands distributed under this resolution ai-e known as the 
east and west compensation class, as they respectively lie on one 
side or the other of the road to Greenkill. 

And it was also " Resolved that the Inhabitants, residing at or 
near the village of Saugerties, be also compensated with a certain 
I>ortion set apart for that purpose called the ' Pansie Bergh.' " 

The trustees, before the division and distiibution of their lands 
among tlie people, had set apart a tract of land containing several 
hundred acres, and reserved the same for the benefit of the univer- 
sity or college which they had hoped to see established there. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 381 

That project huving failed, and they being still desirous of devoting 
the same to the cause of education, on the .Oth of Marcli, 1S()4, con- 
cluded and " Resolved to convey the same to the Trustees of Kings- 
ton Academy," which was subsequently done. 

The ferry across the Kondout Creek connecting the ui)i)er part 
of the town witli the lower — tliat is, the village of Kingston with 
the part of the town called " Klyne Esopus," was located a short 
distance above the mouth of the Twaalfskill, at the place which in 
later years was known as Ilamiltcm's Ferry. It was a rope ferry 
— that is, a scow capable of holding a double wagon and team, pro- 
pelled by hand, drawing upon a rope which extended across from 
shore to shore. That ferry was originally established and furnished 
by the trustees and owned by them. In 1804, however, when they 
were completing the disposition of their lands, the then trustees 
concluded to sell the same, including the house and lot, the scow, 
small boat, and all the apparatus connected therewith, to James 
Hamiltcm for £'200. The ferry then went into the hands of the 
purchaser, and was condiu-ted by him and his family for a number 
of years, until by the establishment of another ferry lower down 
the creek, and the change of the course of trade, its value was lost : 
then it was entirely abandoned. 

In the early part of this centuiy party spirit was very bitter 
between the two factions. Republicans and Federalists, as then 
called, and was so carried throughout, as well in local as in State 
and national mattei's. In the spring of 1804 a very bitter contest 
was waged in the election of trustees, and the old Board of Trus- 
tees, composed of Federalists, was routed, and an entire new board 
elected of Repulilicaiis. 

The old Board of Trustees, in addition to the moneys previously 
on hand, had by the sale and disposition of their lands ac(!umu- 
lated quite a fund in the treasury for the liquidation of their debts 
and the support of the poor. 

The new Ix^iid in the early part of the year do not appear to 
have done much of importance. On the 12th of April they granted 
three acres of ground to the Caatsbaan Church, directed six Lom- 
bardy poplars to be jilanted in front of the Klyne Esopus Church, 
and forty to be planted in Main and Wall streets in the village of 
Kingston along the fences of the burying-ground attached to the 
Kingston Church. 

On the 13th of April, 1804, they made the following appropria- 
tion for a poor man's funeral : 

" Resolved that Jon. Hasbrouck let to the family of John Will- 
iams deceased, one Gallon of rum — one Gallon of Gin — one dozen 
small papers of tobacco and 4 dozen pipes, and that Thomas Van 
Giiasbeek procure a Coffin." 



382 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

There was a small vacant piece of ground, which had not been 
disposed of, at a place called Bulken House. The trustees on the 
21st of May, 1804, caused that to be surveyed and laid out in six- 
acre lots, and subsequently sold the same at public auction. 

Whether the trustees, upon the near approach of the annual 
election in March, 1805, saw "the handwriting on the wall" and 
were determined to annoy their successors as much as possible, or 
whether they were seized witli an extraordinary religious fervor, 
with the hope of capturing the religious vote, we cannot now do 
more than conjectui-e ; but the fact exists that as the election was 
to take place on the 5th of March, 1805, the Board of Trustees on 
the 2d day of March passed the following preamble and resolution : 

' ' The Trustees, in order to give aid and support to the different 
churches in this town, for the furtherance of religion, have come 
to the following resolution. 

" Resolved, unanimously, that the sum of £3004 5, of the funds 
of this corporation, be assigned to the Minister Elders and Deacons 
of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston ; the sum 
of £1740 19 9 be assigned to the Reformed Dutch Church at Caats- 
baan ; and the sum of £1261 14 1 be assigned to the Reformed 
Dutch Church at Klyne Esopus. All of which several sums are to 
be assigned and transferred, so that the interest arising from the 
same be appropriated toward paying the salary of a minister or 
ministers in tlie several aforesaid churches." 

The transfers thus ordered were at once carried out and per- 
fected. 

On the 5th day of March the election took place, and the last 
board were defeated and consigned to retirement. 

The incoming board, when entering upon tlieir duties, found 
themselves face to face with a depleted treasury through the extra- 
( )rdinary liberality and religious zeal of their predecessors, while the 
poor were to be supi)orted and much (corporate indebtedness re- 
mained to be discharged. 

Kingston village was incorporated by an act of tlie Legislature 
I»assed on the (ith day of April, 1805, and it included so much of 
the territory of the town of Kingston as was comprised in the fol- 
lowing limits : Beginning at the southern extremity of the bridge 
across the Esopus Creek, and running thence to the east corner of 
the division line between Jacobus S. Bruyn and Gerrit Van Keuren, 
deceased ; then in a straight line to the intersection of the Twaalfs- 
kill and Grreenkill roads ; thence in a straight line to a swing gate 
across the A'auxhall Road ; thence to the southeast corner of the 
house lot of (Jatliarine and Magdalen Ten Broeck on tlie highway, 
and tlience in a direct course to the beginning. 

The village was duly organized by the election of directors and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 383 

otlier officers, on the 11th day of May. ISO.'), when John Van Steen- 
heigli, James S. Bruyu, Tobias \'an Biiren, Pliilip Van Keiiren, 
and Barent Gardinier were certified to have been chosen directors 
by tlie greatest mmiber of votes, and Tobias Van Buren \va~s subse- 
quently, on the ITtli of May, IW*."), eiioseu by liis associates to be 
president, and Anthony Duniond was appointed clerk. A full list 
of the village directoi-s and their presiding officers will be given in 
the Appendix. 

On the oth day of September, 1805, the village directors passed 
a resolution requesting the trustees of the corporation to transfer 
to them the fire-engine. 

Accordingly, on the 4th of October, 1805, the trustees, by resolu- 
tion, gave the fire-engine, with all its ai)]>urtenauces, and the use of 
the house near the Court House, in which the same was kept, to 
the directors of the village. 

The directors of the village, on the lUth day of October, organized 
a fire company to take charge of the engine, consisting of thirteen 
members, with Nicholas \'andeilyn, Jr., as captain, and Sanuiel 
S. Freer as lieutenant. 

Tlii^ board adopted very stringent rules requiring the fii-emen 
Id tuin out periodically for exercise and working the engines, and 
enforced the order by requiring the foreman to report delinquents. 
The fines were strictly enfon-ed Ity the directors, unless a satisfac- 
tory excuse was furnished. 

On the 20th of September, 181o. the fire department was re- 
organized and new certificates issued establishing seniority of rank. 
The new organization consisted of twenty members. Nicholas 
\'anderlyn, Jr., was the senior foreman and William Brink second. 

On the Kith of September, 1810, a meeting of the freeholders 
and inhabitants of the city of Kingston was held at the Court 
House in pursuance of notice given by tlie directors of the village. 
The object of the meeting was stated to he to authorize a tax to be 
levied to procure an additional engine, and the meeting authorized 
if<400 to be raised by tax for that purpose. 

On the 19th of March, 1816, the directors authorized the pur- 
chase of a new engine for 8500. On the 23d of March they vacated 
the certificate of Nicholas N'anderlyn as firemen, and appointed 
eleven additional firemen. 

On the 13th of April, 1816, the firemen were reorganized and 
arranged in two companies, James C. Elmendorf designated as 
cajttain of Engine No. 1, and Seth Couch as captain of Engine No. 
2, the new engine. 

In those days every householder was required to keep a number 
of water-buckets, made of leather, with his name or initials painted 
thereon. Whenever an alami of fire was raised they were either 



384 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

carried to the fire by a member of the family, or thrown out upon 
the sidewalk for some passer-by to pick them up. At the fire, 
under the direction of the fire wardens, the citizens were formed 
into a line or lines from the most available well or wells or cisterns 
to the fire-engines, and buckets of water passed from hand to hand 
to supply the engines, and empty buckets returned in like manner 
for further supply. The engines in those early days did not have 
the necessary appliances to feed themselves, but they wei'e then 
well manned by citizens of mature age, who by frequent practice, 
as required by the trustees and village ordinances, became con- 
versant with their duties. 

The directors of the village of Kingston, as soon as they assumed 
the duties of their new office, concluded that a night-watch was 
necessary to sustain the dignity of the village in its new position. 
But then the point arose, they had no corporation funds, and being 
just installed into office, and probably, as is usually the case with 
officials looking forward to a re-election, they did not like to hazard 
the proposition for a tax. They very soon hit upon rather a novel 
expedient, which they supposed would accomplish their purpose 
and give them a first-class reliable watch without pay. 

After having had several consultations on the subject, they, at 
their meeting held on the 1st day of May, 1805, directed their clerk 
to make out a comi^lete list of all the dwelling-houses in the village, 
with a blank space for the families living in each, and report the 
same the next day. 

The next day the clerk produced the list. It was then on 
motion resolved that every house in the village be placed on an 
equality as to the night-watch, and that the resident or owner 
(unless it be a widow), as the directors think proper, should perform 
the duty, thus making each head of a family take his regular turn. 

Those liable to duty were then divided into twenty watches, six 
men to a watch, and a captain assigned to each watch. The number 
of each watch was assigned by ballot, and the duty to be per- 
formed in numerical order. 

The time fixed for the commencement of the service was the 1st 
of June, and the watchman when on duty was to patrol the streets 
at all hours in the night under the direction of the captain of his 
watch. 

The plan was put into operation, but week after week, at every 
meeting of the directors, delinquents w^ere reported and fined with- 
out improving the service or punctuality of the watchmen. The 
experiment was continued until the 18th of October, when it was 
discontinued " until such time as the directors shall otherwise de- 
termine." That was the finale, as the directors never did " other- 
wise determine." 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 386 

In the early part of this century Kingston was visited with a 
gTcat affliction in the prevalence of a malarial fever, frequently 
assuming- a typhoid character. It was i)articularly prevalent in 
the western section of the villiiiiv, in the vicinity of Green and 
Xorth Front streets. It ])rev;nl('d for several years, increasing in 
virulence year by year, until tiie authorities were forced to take 
action in the matter. 'I'liey became satisfied that the prevalence of 
tile dise;ise was attril)utab]e to tlie mill-]i(md attached to Benjamin 
Bogardus's mill. The mill-pond coveretl the hollow west of (ireeu 
Street from North Front Street on the north to a point below the 
pi'esent location of Lucas Avenue on the soutli. It was fed by two 
streams, the one coming in from the south and the other from the 
west. 

The village directors in 1800, a little more than a year after the 
organization of the village, under the powers conferred upon them 
in regard to nuisances and their abatement, on the 8th day of 
November passed an ordinance declaring " that the Jlill Pond 
lying in the west part of the village of Kingston, in the possession 
of l>enjamin Bogardus, is a nuisance, and also the brook leading 
into the same through the lands of Jonathan Hasbrouck Lucas 
Flmendoif John C Masten and others, up to the South bounds of 
the tannery of Joshua Du Bois." And the directors further 
ordained "that the said Pond be drained within thii-teen days." 
They also ]'e(]uired the channel of the brook for the full extent to 
Dii Bois's tan-yard "■ to be cleaned out so as to allow free passage 
of the water," within the same time, under penalty of $25 for every 
forty-eight hours that it was neglected. 

The directors encountering some difficulty in abating the nui- 
sance without compensation, on the 19th of March, 1807, called a 
meeting of the taxable inhabitants, to take into consideration the 
question of compensating Mr. Bogardus for the loss of the i)ond. 
The meeting of the freeholders was held on the 21st of March, and 
it was then unanimously decided that he should be paid $;■)()(), 
which sum Mr. Bogardus agreed to accejjt as a full compensation, 
and the money was subsequently raised and ])aid. Thus was a 
mill ]uivilege swejjt away which had supported a mill for over one 
hundred years. The mill-pond is spoken of and mentioned as a 
boundary in recorded deeds as early as 1(586. Before and during 
the devolution it was owned by Nathan Smedes, and conveyed by 
him to Benjamin Bogardus on the SOth of October, IIS'S. 

The directors were correct in attributing the sickness to the 
effect of the mill-pond, as shown by the happy result, for with the 
removal of the pond as the cause, and the draining of its bed, the 
disease disappeared entirely. 

In the year 180-t a gi'eat fire occuiTed in Kingston during a 
25 



386 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

terrific northwest wind. It commenced in the barn of Abraham 
Bancker, on the north side of North Front Street ; it vei'v soon 
crossed the street and caught the Hoffman barn opposite. The 
little engine was pow^erless to stem the tide of such a tire, fanned 
by such a wind. From the Hoffman barn it caught tlie Dewaal 
house, standing next east and in the track of the wind, and that 
was soon reduced to a smouldering ruin. Such was the force of 
the wind that burning sliingles were scattered over the village in 
its track, and fires started in many places, which w^ere only pre- 
vented from kindling into destructive flames by watchmen stationed 
with buckets of water, wet carpets and blanlvets on tlie roofs. 
The church roof was on fire, but was extinguished by a young man 
by the name of Hamilton climbing thereon and tearing out the 
burning shingles. It was said that trees on the Annbowery, more 
than a mile distant, exhibited by their burnt branches that even 
they had been reached by the fire. 

This property of Dewaal at that time contained the great and 
favorite dancing-hall of the phice. It was purchased by William 
De Waal from William Eltinge in 1789. He was a native Hollander 
and very popular as a landlord. He was one of the few men who 
<!Ouid get into political disputes with his guests, and let out volley 
after volley of oaths upon them, and still retain their custom and 
good-will. His wife was an excellent, kind-hearted woman, who 
tried to control him ; sometimes she would succeed in silencing 
him, but frequently her efforts would meet with as little success as 
they did with the Quaker who was their guest one niglit. After 
Slipper, while sitting around the fire in the evening, Dewaal and the 
Quaker got into a political dispute. Dewaal waxed wami, and 
began to let off volley after volley of oaths, etc., when Mrs. Dewaal 
interposed, saying, mildly, " Waaltje ! Waaltje !" "Yes, yes," 
he replied in Dutch, " I know what you mean, l)ut the talk of this 
d d buttonless ' dunder skint ' is too much for me to stand." 

He kept a house of entertainment, but not a regulai' tavern. It 
was at his house that the Commencement balls, when the academy 
was in the zenith of its prosperity, were held. When it was re- 
built they added to the attraction of the ball-room by giving it a 
beautiful spring floor, a great desideratum when dancing, contra- 
dances, etc., and not walking, was the fashion. His hall continued 
the favorite dancing resort as long as it could be procured for that 
purjiose, and until the third decade of this century. 

After the incorporation of the village of Kingston and the distri- 
bution of the corjioration lands, the trustees were vested with little 
power beside the care of the small amount of funds left after the 
distribution among the churches and the care of the poor. 

In 1811 a law was passed dividing the town of Kingston and 



IlIf^TORY OF KIXGSTON. 387 

creating therefrom the town of Saugerties on the north, and 
the town of Esopus, consisting of tlie territory below Rondont 
Creek, on the south. The second and third sections of that act 
provided, that as soon as may be after the first Tuesday in May 
subsequent to its ]-)assage, " All the corporate estate and interest, 
reniaiuiug undivided, of whatever nature the same may be in the 
Trustees and Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Kingston 
or otherwise, sliall be and is hei-eby declai-ed to be vested in the 
overseers of the poor of tlie said resjiective towns of Esopus Kings- 
ton and Saugerties, who, after discharging the just debts of the 
said C(M-p()ration, shall make an e(iual division of the icsidue, and 
of the poor maintained by the said town of Iviugston, among the 
said towns agreeably to the last tax roll," etc. 

The third section required the ti'ustees to make a full transfer 
and surrender, etc. 

The trustees of the corporation refused to transfer in obedience 
to the law, taking the ground that the law was unconstitutional. 
Tliey were complained of before the tirand Jury, and at a court of 
Oyer and Tenniner, held in the county of Ulster in the month of 
September, 1811, an indictment was presented against " Peter 
Marius Groen, William Swart, Moses Yeomans, Joseph Chipp, 
Jeremiah Du Bois, John Van Vliet, John E Van Aken, Abraham 
Fiero, Tennis Myer, AMlliam Osterhoudt, Philip Van Keuren, and 
Jacob E Bogardus the Trustees of the Freeholders and Comnum- 
alty of the town of Kingston, for their neglect and refusal to sur- 
render, transfer, assign and deliver the estate and intei'est vested 
in tlieju, as such Trustees, to the Poor masters of the several towns 
aforesaid. ■■ The defendants pleaded not guilty. 

Afterward, on the 16th of November, 1811, the indictment was 
brought on ft)r ti-ial l)Hfore his Honor Justice Van Ness against Peter 
Marius (xroen, one of the defendants, and the speaker or presiding 
officer of said trustees. 

The jury upon the trial found a special verdict, " that the trustees 
of Kingston owned real and personal property to a large amount 
in their corporate capacity ; that they had been called upon to 
comply with the act of the nth of April, 1811, by the poor masters 
and supervisors designated in said act, and that they by their 
president, the defendant, had refused to comply with tlie last afore- 
said act because the Legislature had no right to pass such an act." 

And they further found " that tlu; said corporation was in exist- 
ence, and the provisions of its charter were complied with to the 
passing of rhe act of 1811, and till the finding of the indictment. 

'■ Tlitit they had, since they were made poor masters by the act of 
1770, spent more monej' in stipport of the i)()or of Kingston than 
tliey had received under said law since the passage of said act. 



388 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

" Tlmt the said trustees refused to comiily with said act of 1811 
upon tlie advice of counsel deliberately given to them, that the 
said act was unconstitutional and void. And that the advice was 
given to the trustees, of whom the defendant was president, after 
the respective towns were organized under said act, and before 
they were requested to transfer their corporate property under said 
act. 

' ' Tliat if under such facts the trustees were bound to assign the 
property held by them under the charter, then they find the de- 
fendant guilty. 

" But if they ought not to have done it, and under the advice of 
counsel were Justifiable in not doing it, then the defendant was not 
guilty." 

Such verdict of course sent the case up to a higher court to j^ass 
upon the constitutionality of the law. 

The people stood by the indicted trustees, and re-elected them 
annually, until and including the election in the spring of IHliii. 
After that, and prior to the election in the spring of 1816, the courts 
having adjudged the act of 1811 constitutional, the entire Board of 
Trustees, wdth the exception of William Swart, refused to run for 
a re-election, leaving it for their successors to do that which they 
had fought so strenuously against doing. An entire new Board of 
Trustees, except only Swart, was elected at the annual election in 
March, 1816, consisting of John Chipp, Peter 11. Decker, Solomon 
Degraaf, John Hendricks, Henry Jansen, Christopher C. Kiersted, 
Tjerck Myer, Aliraham Myer, William Swart, Abraham Snyder, 
Henry H. Schoonmaker, and Henry Schryver. 

The newly-elected trustees proceeded to wind up the affairs of 
the corporation, and on the 13th of December, 1816, they adopted 
the following preaml^le and resolution : 

" The debts against tlie trustees liaving been paid, as far as the 
moneys by them collected extended. Resolved unanimously, that 
we now by virtue of the act of the Legislature of the State jiassed 
1811, assign the remainder of the corporate funds to tlie super- 
visors and overseers of the Poor of the respective towns of Esopus 
Saugerties and Kingston.'" 

Thereupon such officers of the said respective towns appearing 
before the Board of Trustees, an assignment was executed in pur- 
suance of the foregoing resolution, and was at once delivered, 
together witli the key of the " kos," or, in other words, treasurer's 
box. 

ThTis the trustees of the freeholders and commonalty of the 
town of Kingston, after a corporate existence of nearly one hundred 
and thirty years, were pennanently and finally dissolved. It does 
not appear proper that the dissolution of such a corporation, hold- 



niSTORY OF KINGSTON. 389 

ing the reins of government and title of property through so many- 
eventful yeai's, ^sh()lll(l h^ passed over without some l)rief comment. 
Tha pcrso/inel always appear to havelx-en selected from among the 
leading citizens of the town. Whether in resistance to tyranny at 
an (^arly day, or later in the effort to pi-ocure freedom and inde- 
pendence through the conflict of arras, they were ever found using 
and contril)uting their resources and means for the triumph of the 
riglit. Education and religion invariably, from tlie Ix^ginniiig to 
the end of tlieir corporate existence, received their fostering care. 
A select portion of their number, until the adoption of the State 
Constitution, wielded all the powers of a local coui't of limited 
jurisdiction. 

In the disposition of the corporate real estate good judgment 
was uniformly exhibited by them within the corporate limits ; 
tln^re was no grant of an undue ntimber of acres to any particular 
individual, and the final distril)ution in 1804 savored esiiecially of 
equity and justice. 

Since their incoi'poration times have changed, and people and 
govcrunients liave changed with them ; and altliough with such 
cliange an incorporation such as that was would be out of place 
now, in its day it was i)rodn('tivt' of much good, and may praise 
and thanks be accorded tu its memory ! 

Ill 1816 the county of Ulster procured authority from the Legis- 
lature to build a new Court House and a fire-proof county clerk's 
otiice in Kingston upon the site of the old building. Accordingly, 
the old Conrt House was soon torn down, and in process of time a 
new building arose in its stead very mncii of the same model, but 
larger and more commodious than the old one. The building is 
unquestionably well built ; the woi'k was done by the day, and of 
course the walls went tip with deliberation ; there was no undue 
haste, as it was several years in building, and the walls had abun- 
dant time to settle as the work progTess(*d. In time, however, it 
was finished, and it still stands as the temple of justice of the 
county, liaving undergone a few changes and an enhirgement. 

An extremely violent tornado accompanied witii hail occurred 
near the village of Kingston on the 11th of June, 1820, the effects 
of which Avere more ]Kirticularly noticed at the Souser place, about 
five miles from Kingston, just beyond the Sawkill Biitlge. It is 
thus described in the Plebeian of the 17th : 

" About half past oneO'cU)ck the clouds were apparently gather- 
ing, and looked black and ]ioi'tentous, in two opposite directions — 
north east and south west, and approximated each other, until 
they came in contact, between the homesteads of ]\fr John Souser 
and Mr John De Myer ; the former being about four and a half 
miles, and the latter about five miles north of this village, where it 



390 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

spent its greatest force and fury — unroofing part of Mr Sonser's 
dwelling house, demolishing the whole of his large barn, at least 
fifty feet long crushing timbers, plank and materials to atoms ; 
leaving nothing but four of the framed supporters standing"; 
and what is remarkable, wafted a piece of timber, at least thirty 
feet long and six or more inches square, from the barn over the 
house, prostrating part of the chimney and lodged about one 
hundied yards from the original location. We should supjiose 
that Mr Sonser's damage could not be less than $400, considering 
that hail stones fell during the storm of about half the size of a 
hen's egg, and destroyed much of the grain on his fields. 

" The east half of Mr John DeMyer's large new barn was en- 
tirely unroofed and much injury done to his grain and herbage. In 
the latter respect many of his neighbors have also severely sufi'ered. 
Fruit and other trees have been torn up by the roots and left 
vestiges of ruin and desolation, truly deplorable to behold." 



CHAPTER XXII. 

RISK OF PARTIES — KLIXTION AND DKATII OF GOVERNOR CLINTON 
— REFERENCES TO WAR OF 1812, AND CONCLTSION OF PEACE. 

A FTKR tlie tinal ratilication of tlie treaty of peace and the 
-^-»- acknowledgment of our independence, the most important 
and momentous questions came np for consideration. Tlie i)eo]ile 
had relieved themselves from foreign tyranny and control, now 
they must substitute and adopt a plan of general government ^vhich 
should not only insure to them the freedom for which they had 
fought, promote the general welfare, and secure the permanent 
union of the States, but which should also be vested with sufficient 
power to maintain itself, defray its expenses and debts, and exer- 
cise the necessary functions of a government in its intercourse with 
foreign nations. The considi>ration of these cpiestions led to nuicli 
conflict of opinion. Some favored simply the enlargement of the 
powers of the Confedei'acy, wliile others advocated the creation of 
a strong national go\ernment. Tiu'se questions produced the 
organization of the two great political parties of the country. 

(Teneral George Clinton, who was then the governor of the State, 
advocated the enlargement of tiie powers of the Confederacy. 
Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, advocated a strong federal 
government. Each was sui)]iorted by powerful associates. 

Congress called a convention of the States to recommend a xihin 
of general government to be adopted by the States. The New 
Yoi'k Legislature, by a large majority, favored an enlargement of 
tlie ijowers of the Confederacy, and were opposed to the creation 
of a strong federal central government. The Legislature appointed 
three delegates to the convention, but expressly limited their 
l)owers by declaring specifically that they wei'e appointed " for the 
sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, 
and rejiorting to Congress and the several Legislatures, such alter- 
ations and amendments therein as shall, when agreed to in Con- 
gress and contirmed by the several States, under the Federal Con- 
stitution, be adequate to the exigencies of the Government, and 
preservation of the Union." 

The three delegates appointed under that restrictive resolution 
were Robert Yates, John Lansing, Jr., and ^Uexander Hamilton. 



392 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Yates and Lansing representing the sentiments of a majority of the 
LegisUxture opposed to the formation of a new government, while 
Hamilton was the strong and leading champion of a strong federal 
government. 

At the meeting of the National Convention, after considerable 
discussion the majority decided to propose an entire new Constitu- 
tion, which did not amend, but abolished the Articles of Confeder- 
ation. Under the stringent provisions of the resolution appointing 
them, Messrs. Yates and Lansing deemed that the formation of a 
new Constitution was beyond their powers, and withdrew from the 
convention. Handlton remained, and was the strong and leading 
mind in the formation of that instrument. 

The Constitution, as rejiorted by the convention and sulmiitted 
to the several States for adoption, contained a provision that it 
was to go into operation whenever adopted by nine of the confed- 
erated States. So that, after such adoption, the remaining States 
must necessarily come in, or withdraw from the Union and main- 
tain a separate, independent government. 

The Legislature of New York met in the winter of 1788, and at 
that session, on the 17th of January, a resolution was offered by 
Mr. Egbert Benson, of New York, which made provision for hold- 
ing a State Convention, in pursuance of the recommendation of 
Congress, to decide upon the question of the adoption of the new 
Constitution. Mr. Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, of Ulster, proposed 
a preamble to the resolution, as follows : " Whereas the said con- 
vention of the States, instead of revising and reporting alterations 
in and revision of the Articles of Confederation, have reported a 
new Constitution for the United States, which if adopted, will 
materially alter the constitution and government of this State, and 
greatly affect the rights and privileges thereof Therefore,'' etc. 
The preamble was not adopted, but the resolution passed both 
Houses, and provision was made for the election of delegates by 
tlie people. The election was held in the following spring, and of 
course the only issue raised at the polls was for or against the 
) adoption of the Constitution. The election resiilted in the choice 
; of a large majority opposed to its ratification. 

The delegates elected from Ulster County were John Cantine, 
Ebenezer Clark, Governor George Clinton, James Clinton, Cor- 
nelius C. Schoonmaker, and Dirck Wynkoop, all anti-Federalists, 
and oijposed to the new Constitution unless materially amended. 

The New York Convention met, and the supposed or alleged 
merits and demerits of the proposed Constitution were discussed at 
great length and with much ability by the leading men in the con- 
vention. The opposition to its adoption claimed that the rights of 
the States and the individual rights of the people were not suffi- 



to 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 393 

ciently protecte<l. Tliat clisonssion was in progi'ess when news 
arrived of its adoiition by the tenth State, wliieh gave it life and 
rendered it operative. The alternative was tlien presented to the 
convention either to ado])t it and remain in the Union, or reject it 
and stand forth as an independent State. Many still adhered to 
their opposition, not l)ecaiise tliey desired to withdraw from the 
Union, hut they believed that if New York took that independent 
stand the other States v.oidd amend the Constitution so as to re- 
move the ground of their opposition. 

The discussion of the various provisions of the Constitution, and 
its alleged shoi'tcomings, was continued in the convention, and 
various j)roposed amendments and a lUllof flights adopted. Then 
by a majority of three votes a resolution was passed declaring the 
Constitution ratilied by the convention " in full confidence" that a 
convention shall be called and convened for proposing amendments. 

Believing that the true spirit of a convention and its members 
may be more readily and correctly ascertained through contem- 
poraneous and confidential written communications than simply 
by its rejiorted proceedings, there are inserted here copies of some 
original letters in the possession of the writer, two of them written 
bj' a men))ier of the convention to one of his political friends and 
constituents when the convention was in session, and extracts from 
another written by a gentleman of prominence residing in Kingston 
when in attendance for some days upon the sittings of the conven- 
tion : 

" PouGiiKEEPSiE (June) 2oth 1788 
'• De.\r Sir 

" When you left us yesterday we expected that on this day 
great and interesting debates would have taken i)lace in the con- 
vention on the fourth section of the first article of the pi'oposed 
Constitution — but I have the pleasure of informing you that the 
section was read, the amendment i)roposed to the clause by us was 
also read and is in the words following to wit ' Resolved as the 
opinion of this Committee that nothing in the Constitution, now 
under consideration, shall be construed to authorize the Congress 
to make or alter any regulation in any State respecting the times 
places and manner of holding elections for Senators and llepre- 
sentatives unless the Legislature of such State shall neglect or re- 
fuse to make laws or regulations for the purpose, or from any cir- 
cumstance be unable of making the same, and then only until the 
Legislature of such State shall make provision in the premises. 
And that nothing in this Constitution shall be constnied to prevent 
the Legislature of any State to pass laws, from time to time, to 
divide such State into as many convenient districts as the State 
shall be entitled to elect Representatives for Congress, nor to pre- 



394 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

vent such Legislatui'es from making provision tliat the Electors in 
each district shall choose a citizen of the United States, who shall 
have been an inhabitant of the district for the term of one year 
immediately preceding the time of his election, for 07ie of the 
Kepresentatives of such State.' The supporters of the Constitu- 
tion without any opposition worth mentioning acquiesced in our 
amendment. We then proceeded further in the consideration of 
the Constitution until we came to the first section of the second 
article which gives Congress power to levy and collect taxes duties 
imports excises etc. On this section I suppose much will be said 
to morrow 

' ' Am Yours etc 

" CORS C SCHOONMAKER 



PouGiiKEEPSiE July 19. 1788 



" To Peter Yan Gaashecky 

" My Dear Friend 

************ 

" Since leaving you two other propositions have been brought 
forward one by Mr Hamilton for an unconditional adoption 
attended with recommendatory amendments, the other by Mr 
Smith for an adoption for a certain number of years (four was' 
spoken of) at the end of which shoiild a convention not have met 
to consider the proposed amendments this State should be at lib- 
erty to withdraw themselves from the Union ; so that three proposi- 
tions are now before the convention 

************ 

" Abm B Bancker 

" Since writing I find our anti-Federal Party have determined 
to stick to their first plan. Of course Mr Smith withdrew liis last 
proposition, and then the question stood between Mr Hamilton's 
unconditional and Mr Lansing's conditional ratification when upon 
a division there appeared 41 in favor of the latter and 18 against 
it. . . . They are now proceeding to consider the bill of rights, 
and I expect will adopt part of both as may appear best. "Which 
I expect will also be the case both with the explanatory and I'ecom- 
mendatory amendments ; the conditional will be held to by a con- 
siderable majority. . . . 

"ABB 
' ' Peter Van GaasbeeJc " 

" PouGiiKEEPSiE July 25. 1788 
"Dear Sir 

" After a long and tedious discussion of the proposed Constitu- 
tion by paragraphs and jiroposiug of amendments thereto, the re- 
sult of the deliberation of the convention will be an adoption of the 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 395 

Constitution on tli<> i)iinci|il('s of expediency — that ten States have 
a(h)])te(l it, and tlie government will be jint into operation, and 
therefore if the adoption is not speedily made in tliis State great 
diffioidties and embarrassments will ensue etc, from these con- 
siderations being so strongly impressed on the nunds of some of 
the members in the convention, (in whom we have had great con- 
fidence) by the weight and influence of tlie federal party. After 
having lost our security, intended by our first proposition against 
the exercise of certain powers by the General government in this 
State, until our amendments proposed to the Constitution were 
submitted to a convention of the States, being obliged to retreat 
from the same concluded that we should retain the restrictive 
clauses in confidence that the (xeneral Government will not exercise 
the power therein restricted until a convention shall meet to take 
them into consideration, which was yesterday agi'eed to by the con- 
vention. We then, as a farther security to ol)tain a c(mven1ion, 
brought forward Mr Smith's plan for an adoption of the Constitu- 
tion for years, and if the amendments proposed should not in 

that time be submitted to a convention of States this State should 
reserve a right to withdraw itself from the Union. This, althougli 
not supposed to be of great importance by us, has been vei'y 
warmly opposed by the Federalists yesterday, and has this morn- 
ing been determined on by the convention ; the proposition was 
lost by a vote of 28 against 81 among which majority are Smith 
and Piatt who have most strenuously heretofore advocated the 
principle, and are now convinced that it will not do at all. 

" When you consider the manner in which we have lost both 
the propositions, which we considered as a restrictive, qualified 
condition in tlie ado[)tion, you will readily perceive that the Fed- 
eralists have fought and beat us fi-om our own ground with our 
own weaxions. The greatest security we will retain in the adoption 
of the Constitution will, in my opinion, l)e f)ur declaration of 
rights, and explanations of some ambiguities in the Constitution 
expressed and declared in strong terms. Upon the whole the con- 
vention ai'e now about to read the whole of the ratification and 
amendments proposed to the Constitution for theii- a])indltation to 
be added to and reported. I believe it will be our duty and our 
wish to support and maintain the free<lom and independence of the 
People of this State on the final question of the adoption of the 
Constitution. I must however add that altho" the Federalists 
have out mananivred us, they do not think that they have got a 
great victory ; they come forward very freely to declare that they 
will join with us in applying to Congress, immediately after the 
organization of the government, to call a convention to take into 
consideration the amendments jiroposed by this as well as the other 



396 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

States to the Constitution, which will I suppose be done before the 
convention rises. While I was writing the above the question on 
ratification was debated and is determined agreeably to the division 
enclosed 

" Yours to serve 

" CoRS C SCHOONMAKER 

" TbP Van GaasheeJc" 

The preference given by many of the statesmen of that period 
to amend the Articles of Confederation rather than the creation of 
a central federal government ai'ose from their great anxiety for the 
full protection of the rights of the States and of the i^eople, and 
their great fear of the absorbing and aggressive power of a central 
government untrammelled by strong restrictive clauses. They felt 
that the phraseology of the instrument, as proposed, gave room 
for liberal constructions, which might act oppressively upon the 
States and the people, and by legislative or judicial construction 
concede powers which never were intended to be granted. 

It was in behalf of those endangered rights that ?few York 
statesmen, in the Constitutional Convention, fought for the adop- 
tion of amendments and a declaration of rights. The action of 
those feeling tlius was vindicated by the unanimous adoption in 
the New York Convention of a resolution recommending a general 
convention for the consideration of amendments, and the further 
reconjmenda-tion of sundry amendments to that instrument by the 
first Congress under the Constitution and at its first session, pre- 
ceding the same with the following preamble : 

" Tlie conventions of a number of the States having at the time 
of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to 
prevent misconstruction oi' abuse of the powers, that fui'tlier 
declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extend- 
ing the ground of public confidence in the government wjU best 
insure the beneficent ends of the institution. Resolved," etc. 

And finally the adoption by the dift'erent States of those pro- 
posed amendments, so that they now are a part of the federal Con- 
stitution, and form the grand bulwark in tliat instrument for the 
protection of the rights of the jjeople and tlie States against central 
aggressive power. It is not believed that there is now a single 
statesman or man of intelligence in the land who would be willing 
to have those amendments blotted from that instrument. Their 
existence vindicates the wisdom and patriotism of those through 
whose demand they were procured. 

Ulster County stood by and sustained its i-epresentatives in the 
course taken by tliem in the convention, and signified its approval 
by re-electing them from time to time to posts of honor and dis- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



397 



tinction. Of George and James Clinton mention will be made 
iKTcjiftPi' ; of the others, four in ninnlier, iiarticuhir mention will be 
niiulc iu'i'f. 

.lf)hn Cantine served his constitnents as a member of Assembly 
from 1779 to 1789 inclusive, as a member of the State Senate from 
1790 to 1797, and as a representative in the Eighth United States 
Congress under the Constitution. 

Ebenezer Clark served as a memlier of Assembly from 1786 to 
1790 inclusive, and of the State Senate from 1797 to 1801. 




<^<' i^Z^^/^^>(<7■tr^Pi■/f^zy^^^ 



Cornelius C. Schoonmaker was a rei)resentative in the Second 
United States Congress under the Constitution from 1791 to 1798, 
and he was continuously a member of the Assembly from 1777 to 
1790, and again in 1795, until his death in 179G. 

Derick Wynkoop, the other representative, served his constit- 
iients as judge of Ulster County from 1783 to 1798. 

Notwithstanding the hesitancy with which the Constitution had 
been adopted, still, after its actual acceptance by the requisite 
number of States, including the State of JS'ew York, it was hailed 



/ 



898 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

with satisfaction by the people. It was looked upon as the har- 
Innger of a settled, stable government, and as security for the 
enjoyment of that liberty and fi'eedom for which they had so freely 
fought, bled, and suffered. New York City was specially con- 
spicuous in its rejoicing. On the 23d day of July, 1788, its adop- 
tion was celebrated in New York by a wonderful pageant, com- 
prising over five thousand people in the i^rocession, and in 
which many trades and mechanical appliances were represented 
on wheels, closing with a banquet at the country-seat of Nicholas 
Bayard, prepared for six thousand people, under a pavilion erected 
' for the occasion, covering an area of six hundred by eight hundred 
feet. The wonderful enthusiasm is manifest from the fact that it 
was all arranged for and got up in the space of four days. 

As previously suggested, the constitutional question and the 
differences of oinnion in regard thereto led to tlie organization of 
the two great political parties in the Union. Tliey first ranged as 
Federal and Anti-Federal. In a short time thereafter the Anti- 
Federals assumed the name of RepuVilicans. After that the names 
of parties changed from time to time ; but in all those changes, in 
designation Clintonian and Bucktail, Loco-foco and Whig, Demo- 
cratic and Kepublican, or others arising from minor or temporary 
or local questions and issues, the fundamental principles of the 
division have remained the same. 

Prior to the adoption of the federal Constitution George Clinton 
had been elected governor of this State for four successive terms 
substantially without opposition. Afterward in 1789 he was op- 
i:)Osed by Robert Yates, the nominee of the Federal Party, and 
Governor Clinton was re-elected by only 429 majority. The county 
of Ulster saved and secured his election by giving him 1089 votes 
against only 206 for his opponent. The majority of the Legisla- 
ture elected was Federal. 

At the next election, in 1792, his Federal opponent was John 
Jay. The contest was very close. Governor Clinton was elected 
by a majority of only 108. The votes of Otsego, Clinton, and Tioga 
were rejected and thrown out of the canvass on account of gross 
illegalities and informalities. In 1795 Governor Clinton declined 
to run again for governor, and then John Jay was elected, and was 
again re-elected in 1798. 

George Clinton was again nominated in 1801, when he was 
elected over Stephen Van Rensselaer by a majority of neaiiy four 
thousand. In 1804, about the time his gubernatorial office expired, 
he was elected Vice-President of the United States, receiving the 
same number of electoral votes as Thomas Jefferson received for 
the Presidency. He was re-elected for a second term, and died 
while in office and at Washington. 



X 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 399 

Thus terminated the ])ul)lic career of (Tcin'ia! George Clinton, 
the only citizHii of ristci' County who has ever graced both the 
gubernatorial ;ind \'ice-Pre;sidential chairs. lie was I)orn in the 
lower part of Ulster County ; a lawyer by profession, in 1759 he 
was a])i)ointed county cleik of the county of Ulster l)y the then " 
colonial (icnernor Clinton, who was said to have been distantly 
connected. Tliat office he retained during his entire military and 
gnliernatoi-ial cai'eer. The duties were jirincipally discharged by 
his ])rother-indaw, Cliristopher Tappen, who was eventually desig-^ 
nated as his successor. 

He was one of the earliest and firmest friends of the American 
cause. lie withstood with all his powers the encroachments of 
royalty and tyranny, and early took the Held in defence of the 
rights of his country and of liberty. During the long Revolu- 
tionary sti'uggle lie was Tintiring in the discharge of his duties, and 
commanded the contidence and approval of Washington. Pos- 
sessed of great decision of character, a dear nund, and great 
wisdom in counsel, he aided greatly in bringing his State and his 
country to the enjoyment of a hxed, wise, and noble government. 

A great deal of his time when not absent on duty was spent in 
Kingston. He availed himself of the lienefit of the Kingston 
schools tV)r his rising issue. He was contemplated with pride by 
Kingstonians as no stranger, but a frequent visitor and an occa- 
sional resident of the place. 

About the same moment that our celebrated ^'ice-President 
breathed his last his distinguished brother, a hero of the entire 
Kevolutionary War, followed liim to the last and eternal aboile. 

These two distinguished brotliers were the sons of Colonel 
James Clinton, who enugrated from Ireland about 1731 and settled in 
Hanover Precinct. located in the lower part of Ulster County, now 
Orange. Both those brothers early exhibited a predilection for mil- 
itary life ; both were men of talent and highly educated. ' Under 
their father as colonel they served in the expedition against the 
French which captured Montreal and accomplished the concpiest 
of Canada. They both early entered the American contest for free- 
dom, and both served their country with great distinction. George, 
as we have seen, was early called to serve his country and his State 
in the more peaceful l)ut not less important field of politics and 
civil administration. James continued in the military service dur- 
ing the entire Kevolutionary struggle. As colonel of the Third 
I'lster Regiment he was witli Montgomery when he fell, and par- 
tici]iated in all the brilliant achievements, as well as hardships and 
sufferings, of that celebrated Imt unfortunate campaign. On his 
return he entered the Continental Army and was rewarded with the 
commission of brigadier-general in that service. He served 



400 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tlirougliout the war with great distinction, and it was not until the 
iinal gun was fired and peace and liberty proclaimed throughout 
the land that he laid aside his war trappings and returned to the 
Avalks of peaceful life. 

Early in life he married Mary, the only daughter of Egbert J)e 
Witt, of Wawarsing, Ulster County ; the only issue of that mar- 
riage was De Witt Clinton, whose name is a liousehold word, whose 
fame is bounded by no county, State, or country, and is linked 
imperishably with the great internal improvements of our State. 

James was occasionally called fiom his retirement by his fellow- 
citizens in different representative capacities. He was a member 
of the convention of this State to pass upon the adoption of the 
United States Constitution, and afterward served his constituents 
in the State Senate from 1789 to 1792, and in the Assembly from 
1798 to 1801. Eventually, as above stated, he died as he had lived, 
honored by all who knew him. 

Party feeling in the early days of the repul)lic between the 
Republicans and Federalists became extremely bitter and personal. 
Many a fight in Kingston was the result of a canvass, and the 
V Court Honse yard and the street, at the corner of IMaiden Lane and 
Fair Street, were witnesses of many a bitter fray and xntched battle. 
The headquarters of the contending political parties were located 
at the opposite corners of those streets. 

A story has frequently been told of the meeting of two citizens 
opposed in politics ; one was in the wagon returning home from a 
political gathering, and the other on foot. The footman asked the 
other "how it liatl went." The other, stopping his horses, re- 
plied, " Come here and I will tell you." He came, but as soon as 
he was within reach the rider up with his fist and knocked him 
down, saying, " So it did went," and drove off. 

This spirit had its ferment and explosion at the periodical re- 
turn of caucuses and elections ; at other times quiet reigned, and 
the citizens, in the even tenor of their way, pursued their ordinary 
avocations by the transaction of their customary business and the 
care of theii' small farms in the vicinity of the village. Although 
the Federalists, with their party, were opposed to a declaration of 
war against England, still when the time came that the administra- 
tion at Washington felt that the outrages committed by England 
against our country could no longer be endured, and that forbear- 
aJice ceased to be a virtue, and declared war against England, the 
citizens of Kingston stood ready to support tlieir government 
against the foreign foe, and to send forth their quota and what- 
ever might l)e necessary to maintain their country's rights, and 
they were soon called upon to furnish troops for the front. 

A regiment under Colonel Hawkins, then a lawyer I'esiding in 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 401 

Kingston, was early mustered into the service and ordered to Staten 
Island to cover New York and the fortihcatious in tiie Narrows. 
That regiment was the color regiment in the brigade stationed 
there. The enemy made no ajtproach to tliat point, and the troops 
were not drawn into any actual engagement. 

Tliis place had its quota of men on the gronnd for the protec- 
tion of New York during the entire contest, and some were on 
duty at Plattsburg. y 

In 1S14, after the capture of Washington, great alarm was 
aroused throughout the country, and the administration deemed it 
necessary largely to increase the forces for the defence of New 
Y'ork and its harbor. This led to an order, dated the :2!)th of 
August, 1814, emanating from headquarters, directed to General 
Fi'ederick Westbrook, of I'lster County, for an immediate levy of 
live huudied men from his command for the defence of that harbor. 
The order was promptly complied with, and on the 7th day of Sep- 
tember, I SI 4, in obedience thereto, between live and six hundi'ed 
militia from General Westbrook" s brigade embai'ked on board of 
the sloops at Kingston Landing, for their place of destination near 
New York. Tliis call embraced all the citizens of Kingston liable 
to military duty, as alleged by the village newspapers of the day. 
The paper recording the embarkation adds, in reference to the sol- 
diers when leaving, that " their apparent cheerful obedience and 
devotion to their country's claim repressed all sorrow and struck 
dumb all grief." 

The Kingston papers of September Gth, 1814, contain a notice 
calling upon " the inhabitants of Kingston and neighboring towns, 
who are exempt from military duty, to contribute one day's labor 
in cutting and prei)aring " fascines" to be foi'warded to New Y'ork 
for the fortilicatious. and potatoes and other v(>getables for the 
troops." 

On the 8th of September, 1814, a meeting of the citizens of the 
town of Kingston was held at the Kingstcm GolTee House. Conrad 
Ed. F.liueu(h)rf was elected chairman, ami Christopher Ta])peii, 
.li., secretary. After some remarks by John Sudani, Esq., the 
chairman and secretary, together with Abiaham Hoffman, Moses 
Y'eomans, and Conratl J. Elmendorf, were ai)pt»inted a committee 
on resolutions. After some deliberation they reported the follow- 
ing : 

'' Resolved That the safety and independence of our country 
in the present alanning crisis consists in union of sentiment and 
union of exertion. 

" Kesolved that John Sutlam Daniel Brodhead Junior Henry 
Jansen Seth Couch Jacob Ten Broeck iloses Y'eomans and Conrad 
J. Elmentlorf be a committee of defence and correspondence for 
26 



402 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

the County of Ulster, to co-operate with similar committees in the 
Middle District. Also that they receive and transmit such dona- 
tions in money or vegetables as may be offered by towns or indi- 
viduals for the use of the Militia of lister County in service at 
New York." 

They further recommended the appointment of relief committees 
in tlie several towns of the county. 

The militia were discharged and returned home, December, 
1814. The Plebeian of Tuesday, the 13th of December, says : 
" Capt Peter Van Gaasbeek's company returned here on Saturday 
morning last in the Steam Boat Paragon, in good health and 
spirits, from a toiir of three months' service in the defence of New 
Yoi'k. They were the last of the troops from this county wlio 
were discharged. The whole are now again with their families and 
their friends and well satisfied with the treatment they received 
from the public while on dxity." 

On Wednesday evening, the 17th day of February, ISli), the 
village of Kingston was elegantly illuminated, pursuant to the 
recommendation of the president of the village, " in demonstration 
of the general joy on the return of the blessings of Peace." 

The early eli'ect of the war was injurious, not to say disastrous, 
to the monetary interests of the country. It alike affected the 
national and State administrations, as well as the people. The 
United States Bank had ceased to exist, and there was no national 
bank currency. The limited amount of specie in the country was 
withdrawn from circulation and either hoarded up or exported to 
supply the demands of commercial transactions. The Government 
was unable to collect its revenue in specie, or procure it on loan 
either at home or alji'oad. Great Britain then controlled the money 
market of the world. Thus a financial crisis was produced, which 
necessitated the stoppage of specie payments by the banks and the 
flooding of the country with irredeemable pi'omises to pay by the 
banks, and " shin plasters" for the fractional parts of a dollar were 
issued for convenience by merchants, shopmen, and traders of 
almost every description. To supply the place of such irresponsi- 
ble issues of fractional currency, the village directors authorized 
the issue, to be signed by their jiresident, of a large amount of 
small bills, Avhich soon became the fractional currency of the 
village and vicinity, and which were subsequently and promptly 
redeemed when a return to specie pajnnents dispensed with their 
use and necessity. 



CHAPTER XXTII. 

IMIMiOVEMENTS — TURNPIKES AND TRAVELLING CONVENIENCES — 

NEWSPAPERS. 

AFTEll the Hose of the Revolution and tlie estahlisluiient of a 
permanent form of government, the citizens of Kingston 
settled down to their ordinary oceupations, endeavorius; to recover 
fi'om the great losses they had sustained as the ])urchase ])rice of 
liberty. Some had previously rebuilt tlieir houses, others had 
done so only partially, making a j^ortion only of the original build- 
ing tenantaltle, and others again, being entirely ruined jinancially, 
made no ell'ort to rebuild, but left the ruins to crumble and Avaste 
away. 

About the commencement of the nineteenth century a s])irit of 
improvement appears to have aroused some of the iidiabitauts 
having spare funds to erect some stately residences. They were 
all erected, it is understood, within the period of a few years, and 
were generally built upon very much the same plan, as can be seen 
by noticing the scpuire-roofed houses still standing. First the 
Lucas Elmendorf house, in Green Street opjiosite the Junction of 
Crown. Next the house built by Jacob Tremper (the Ostrander 
liouse), in Green Street nearly opposite Main. Next the house 
built by Conrad E. Elmendorf (the Bruyn house), corner of Pearl 
and Main streets. The house binlt by Edward Elting (the Tler- 
mance house), corner of Maiden Lane and Fair Street ; the Jansen, 
now Uardenbergh, house, corner of John and Crown streets, and 
the liouse Iniilt by John Tremper (now owned by estate of Mrs. 
M. Schoonmaker), at the head of Clinton Avenue. About the 
same time wei'e also built, l)ut upon difl'erent models, the Jacob 
Ten Rroeck homestead, afterward Peter (t. Sharp's, on All)any 
Avenue, and the ^'an Buren house, at the head of St. James' Sti'eet. 
There were a very few other buildings erected within the village 
during the tirst two decades of this century, liut those enumerated 
are the principal ones. 

Prior to the year 1790 there was no bridge across the Esopns 
Creek at Kingston, and the communication with Brabant, the 
neighborhood aci'oss the creek, was through what is now called 
Frog Alley, leading to a fording place in the creek. In Janiuiry, 



404 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

1790, the citizens of Kingston liad a public meeting on the subject 
of building a bridge across the creek near the fording place, and 
appointed a committee to raise funds by subscription for that pur- 
pose. The committee called upon the trustees on the 5th day of 
February, 1790, to ascertain what they would contribute, in behalf 
of the corporation, for that j^urpose. The trustees, by a majority 
vote, agreed to grant £100 upon the same footing with individiial 
subscribers. 

In October of the same year it was found that the sum raised 
was not sufficient to complete the bridge. Tlie committee then 
made another appeal to the trustees. The trustees requested them 
to proceed and raise what further sum they could by subscription, 
and if they still fell short they would advance what was necessary, 
not exceeding, however, £75. 

Immediately after the completion of the bridge across Esopus 
Creek a question arose in reference to the width of the road, 
which had thereby become necessary acx'oss the rich lowland 
flats, and the difficulty and expense of the fencing and the subse- 
quent maintenance thereof, by reason of the overflow of the laud 
by every considerable freshet in the creek. Prior to that time 
there had only been a narrow neighborhood road or track across 
the lowland. The main road from Kingston north at that time 
passed up the present Albany Road, on the east side of the creek, 
and crossed it at the fording place near the mouth of the Saw- 
kill, which avoided the great lowland flats entirely. 

The Legislature was appealed to, and in March, 1791, a law was 
passed authorizing the Comnussioners of Highways of the town of 
Kingston to lay out such common road or roads across the lowlands 
as they might deem expedient, limiting the breadth thereof to two 
rods, and providing for the erection of so many swinging gates 
across the roads as they might deem necessary to be built, kept, 
and maintained at the expense of the town. 

The route of the contemplated road to be built by the Ulster and 
Delaware Turnpike Company, referred to particularly on a subse- 
quent page, passing over said bridge, it was adopted and taken as 
a part of their road. In 1804, after the location of their road, the 
said company replaced the old bridge by ii new one, which was put 
up by jNIarshal Lewis, their buildei', for them. Both the al)0ve- 
Tiamed bridges were uncovered. The latter one was painted red, 
and was usually designated as the red bridge. 

The latter bridge stood until March, 1818 (not January, as stated 
on the bridge tablet), when it was carried away by a freshet suc- 
ceeding a most I'emarkable winter — a winter recorded as colder 
than any other in twenty years, and burdened with an unusual 
amount of snow. The thermometer was recorded on the 11th of 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 405 

February as ranging thirty-two- degrees below zero. At New 
Orleans slciglis were seen driving through the streets on the 12th 
of ,lanMai\\'. 'IMie Potomac opposite Alexandiia was frozen over ou 
the !)th o\' February. Tlie west part of Long Island Sound was 
entirely closed by the ice, and tlie mail was carried over from New 
Jersey to New York on the ice. About the 1st of March the 
weather became very mild. That was succeeded by excessive rains 
on Tuesday, the 8d, which at once raised the streams to such an 
extent throughout Kingsttni and the adjacent country that scaicely 
a bridge was left standing in the county. One half of the Kings- 
ton Bridge on the Ulster and Delawaie Turnpike, with the stone 
abutment underneath, was demolished. 

That bridge was replaced during the same year by another built 
under the superintendence of George Eddy, Henry 11. Schoon- 
maker, and Johannes M. Van Keuren, designated as commissioners 
by act of the Legislature to sui)erinteud the building thereof. The 
cost was defrayed by assessment upon the taxable property of the 
town. It was a covered bridge. 

The attention of the business citizens of Kingston was early at- 
tracted to tlie necessity of opening a thoroughfare for the trade of the 
interior. Turnpikes were then all the rage throughout the country, 
and incorjioiatiuus for their construction in almost every direc- 
tion were being granted by the Legislature. Citizens of Kingston, 
moving in the general current, in 1S()2 procured an act of incoi'pora- 
tion forthe llsterand DelawareTuinpike Road, which wasfollowed 
by the incorporation of branch roads for its extension to different 
localities. That road was located in a northwestei'ly direction 
from the village of Kingston to the Delaware River, through the 
towns of Hurley, ^^'oodstock, and Shandaken in this county. 
From thence by its branches it was contemplated to extend through 
J\liddletown, Delhi, and AValton in Delaware County, and reach 
what was then called Jericho, in Chenango County, a distance of 
one hundred and four miles. Much benelit was anticipated from 
the building of that road, and so sanguine were its })rojectors in 
regard to it, that l)y the charter their ilividends were limited to 
ten per cent annually. The ])eople seconded the project with great 
zeal and vigor. The trustees of the corporation, too, gave it their 
iielping hand, which body had ever shown itself ready to pnmiote 
the interest of the place, and in August, 1803, authorized the sub- 
scription and purchase in their name of one hundred shares of the 
capital stock in the road. 

Tlie projectors and directors in the road, however, did not tind 
its construction such easy sailing as tliey anticipated. Before its 
completion they were obliged to struggle and tight their way 
through great difficulties and pecuniary embaiTassments. They 



406 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

met the same experience which is frequently encountered by enter- 
prising characters endeavoring to carry out projects for tlie public 
good, to find those in the community who were best able to bear 
the expenses, and were in a situation and liusiness to profit most 
by the improvement, content to stand aloof and see the willing 
ones suffer and struggle to accomplish the desired end, while they, 
clutching their money-bags with a grip as of iron, lifted not as much 
as a finger to aid in the struggle. 

The road was finally completed on the west side of the Hudson 
from Columbus Point through Kingston and over Esopus Creek 
westward at an average expenditure of $1000 per mile. The 
directors had also expended several thousand dollars in the pur- 
chase of the right of way for the extension of the road eastward 
from the river through Rhinebeck to the State line. But that end 
of tlie road was abandoned, and its construction never attempted. 
The road on the west side of the river passed inspection, and gates 
were authorized ; but it was loaded with debts which the stock- 
holders were unable to j)ay. The income of the road was not suffi- 
cient to keep down the interest of the debt and pay the expenses 
of superintendence and repairs. The stockholders then enjoyed 
the simple satisfaction of seeing it traversed regularly the whole 
distance by the mail-carrier, and daily by the public at large, with- 
out relief to its pecuniary eml)arrassments or rendition of any profit 
to themselves. Eventually, after much struggling, it was nearlj^ all 
sold, surrendered, and districted. 

There were some reasons connected with the settlement of the 
territory through which the road passed which operated strongly 
against its financial success. The pecuniary prosperity of such an 
undertaking requires the sujiport of a thriving, industrious, and 
entei'prising popidation on its borders. Nature, in the arrange- 
ments and structure of the territory through which the road passed, 
had done much which under other circumstances might have served 
to encourage agriculture, manufactures, and other industrial pur- 
suits, and thus favor the success of an enterprise of that character. 
But in the settlement of a large part of the territory through which 
the road passed the landlords owning the soil, by the adoption of 
some of the old lemnants of feudalism in the tenure of the land by 
their tenants, reared insurmountable drawbacks in the way of the 
prosperity of the inhal)itants, and consequent success of the road. 

The turnpike traversed only a very few miles before it run into 
the Ilardenbergh Patent, and that part of it in which the inhaljit- 
ants held under " life leases," the worst and most forbidding of all 
holdings for the prosperity of any counti'y. No matter how much 
or how diligently a man worked and toiled under such a tenure 
for the improvement and betterment of his place, he kne^v it was 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 407 

not for tli(3 benefit of liis family, for the lapse of a life at any 
moment might, under liis lense, carry it all into the ])Ocket of his 
liiHillord. Xo farming i-oniiminity can ever pros})er wliere the 
incentive is to get everything you can off froui the land and put 
notliing on. 

The next stage after passing the tenantry was the vicinity of 
the Delaware River. There neai-ly the entire population of the 
country consisted of lumbermen, who were constantly engaged in 
luiuberiug and getting their logs and lunil)er ready for market, 
raising scarcely enough upon their lands to feed their families and 
their stock. They were constantly watcliing for a freshet to pre- 
pare tlieir rafts and launch them into the foaming current for Phila- 
deljihia. Tliat furnished no income to the road, and besides drew 
the people to another market. The writer once heard an eminent 
Sullivan County counsel, in the argument of a motion to put off 
tlie ti'ial of a cause on account of the al)sence of witnesses, aver 
that no subpoena could hold a witness from taking advantage of a 
freshet ; that if one came in the midst of service on the Sabbath the 
minister would leave the puljiit to start his I'aft and take advantage 
of the tiood. 

In Febi'uary, 1818, Peter ^larius Groen, William Tremper, 
Abraham Hoffman, and their associates, president, direotoi's, etc., 
of the Ulster and Delaware Turnpike Road Company, gave notice 
of application for a reorganization of the road, change of name to 
tlie '■ Kingston Turnpike Company," creation of a new capital 
stock of §40, 000, and cancellation of the old stock to the extent of 
that sum, and ])rovision for i-ebuildiug the road, establishing toll- 
houses, etc. ; but nothing was accomplished. 

It appears from the following letter that when brought before 
the Legislature the local members were opposed to it, and conse- 
quently it could not be carried. 

" Tuesday 
"Dit Sir 

" I almost despair in effecting the object of my business here. 
Our members (as I suspected) differ from our present plan and ^Ir 
Sudani is endeavoring to continue in them that impression I 
endeavored yesterday to procure an interview with Mr Livings- 
ton ; but owing to the sitting of the council of appointment I could 
not effect one. This morning I saw him for a few minutes only. 
Mr Livingston is desirous tliat something should be (h)ne tins ses- 
sion but from tlie general view 1 gave him of our object was dis- 
posed to tliink we ouglit to ai)])ly for a new charter. . . . The 
reason allegetl that the charter is forfeited is on the ground of total 
insolvency and that no legal election had been held inasmuch as 



408 HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

there was not a board of directors and clerk present at the time of 
holding said election 

************ 

" In haste Yours Sincerely 

" Zir ScirOONMAKER. 

"P M Groen 
JoJtn Tappen'''' 

What may be supposed to be the finale of tlie Ulster and Dela- 
ware Turnpike Road is thus set forth in the editorial columns of 
the Ulster Plebeian of August 28th, 1819. 

" Ulster and Delaware Turnpike road. 

•' The annual election of Director's for this institution, having 
been advertised to be held at the house of Levi Jansen, in this 
village on Wednesday last ; and there not appearing a requisite 
number of members to hold the election, it was of course not held, 
and the act of incorporation forfeited, after expenditures by the 
present stockholders on this road, to upward of one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars." 

From the above it is to be inferred that the stockholders had 
previous thei'eto kept up their organization by regular elections, 
notwithstanding the road had been apparently abandoned. 

Thus ended a corporation which started with the brilliant ex- 
pectations of a surplus over ten per cent dividends, and had been 
considered good security for collegiate funds and academical 
investments. 

In 1805, while the fever and excitement for turnpike roads were 
at their height, a kind of omnibus turnpike and bridge bill was 
run through the Legislature providing for several different roads 
from as many different localities on the Hudson River, to extend 
the hand of friendsliip and commercial intercourse over improved 
thoroughfares from such several localities to the same terminus in 
the sparsely settled region along the Delaware and Susquehanna 
rivers. The Kingstonians, of coiirse, had their hands in the pot- 
tage by the incorporation thereby of the " Neversink Turnpike 
Road Company," to build a " Turnpike from Oxford and Chenango 
Point to Kingston ;" and also the " Pepacton Turnpike and Bridge 
Company," authorized " to build a Turnpike from Kingston in the 
County of Ulster, by the most direct practicable route to tlie west 
bank of the west branch of the Delaware river in the town of 
Walton." 

The controlling spirit in the enterprise to build the iS'eversink 
Turnpike Road was Lucas Elmendorf, who was one of the most 
prominent and wealthy citizens of the village, and had recently rep- 
resented tliis Congressional district in the Congress of the United 
States for three successive terms. 



nrSTORY OF KINGSTON. 409 

On the 3(1 day of July, 1807, after various surveys had been 
made, tlie tlien Board of Direetors, coiisistiiiii; of Luke Kieisted. 
President ; Jacob Ten Broeck, George Tappen, Lucas Ehuendorf, 
John Houghtelinfj, Conrad J. Elmendorf, and Daniel Brodliead, 
Jr., haviiii;- pr<»vi<)usly explored the ,i;ii)und and viewed the differ- 
ent places which admitted of tlie turnpilve being brcKight ujion the 
highway leading from the town of Rochester to Kingston Landing, 
established the same " to run from tlu^ pul)lic street in tlie village 
of Kingston, immediately north of tlie dwelling house of Bachel 
Beekman, and to terminate on the Delaware river at Cochecton, to 
the south of P^benezer Taylor's," and they further directed the 
immediate establishment of the route. The building of the road 
was commenced and ]Kirtially completed. From the circumstance 
that Lucas Elmendorf wasthe prime mover and active manager of 
the road, this end of the road acquired, and to this day bears the 
name of " Lucas' turnpike," and that ])orti()n of it situate within 
the bounds of the present city limits is officially designated " Lucas' 
Avenue." The entire road, as fully surveyed and laid out, led in 
a southwesterly direction fioiu Kingston \'illage through Hurley. 
Marbletown, Kochester, and ^^'awarsing, in I'lster County, and 
througli coiisideiable poitifnis of Sullivan and Delaware counties 
to Broome County, at souie point lu-ar the Susquehanna Hiver, a 
distance of about one hundred and forty miles. 

This end of the road started from Kingston at a short distance 
only from tlie terminus of the King's highway, and ran in a south- 
easterly direction nearly parallel with tliat old highway until it 
formed a junction therewith in Rochester at Accord. The com- 
pany then used the bed of the old road for theirs about six miles 
to Wawarsing ; there they diverged therefrom, taking a north- 
westerly direction up Hunk Hill to strike the upper region of 
country and take their course for the pro])osed terminus. 

The iM'oposed road, thus necessarily running for the first twenty- 
one miles on the bed of a free road, or so near to it that a large 
portion of the fanns extended from one road to the other, the rear 
part abutting on the proi)osed turnpike, did not present a very 
flattering prospect for the collection of toll. 

By the charter they were authorized to use the bed of the old 
road, but not permitted to charge any toll thereon. The principal 
part of the residue of the proposed route lay through what was 
then nearly all a wilderness, but without doubt embraced on its 
holders large quantities of excellent land susceptible of s^jeedy and 
lucrative cultivation. 

Some of the landed ])ro])riet(n's entered into arrangements with 
the ccniipany to set apart a portion of their respective lots to pay 
for labor on the road, while others stood with their hands folded 



410 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

ready to reap, without cost or expense to themselves, any profits 
or benefits that might accrue from the construction througli the 
expenditure of the means and property of others. 

Every conceivable effort was made on the part of the directoi's 
to force the road to completion. Advantageous offers were made, 
as well for contracts as individual labor on the road, some payable 
in cash, and some partly in cash and partly in land. ]?y such 
means the directors succeeded in building a considerable part of 
the road, but not in completing it. Lucas Elmendorf, the leading- 
spirit in the work, and the agent of the company, expended about 
$40,000 out of his own resources upon the road, which proved a 
total loss. The road as far as built was accepted and gates erected, 
but did not yield sufficient revenue to pay the toll-gatherer and 
keep the pike in repair. 

After repeated but previously unsuccessful efforts by tlie com- 
pany to obtain some kind of relief through the action of the 
Legislature, a law was passed in 1817 which, after reciting that 
"it had becom(3 highly expedient, that the road between the 
Hudson River and the territory within the State lying north of 
Pennsylvania, heretofore intended to be opened by the Neversink 
Turnpike road Company, should be speedily comi^leted," pro- 
ceeded to make provision to cause a proportionate assessment to 
be laid upon the lands to be materially benefited by the making of 
the road, with the further provision that each proj^rietor assessed 
was to become a stockholder in the road to the amount of his 
contribution. The name of the company was also changed thereby 
to ' ' The President and Directors of the First Great Southwestern 
Turnpike road Company." 

The assessment was afterward made under the provisions of the 
act, but owing to some technical error or omission in regard to the 
filing and j^ublication of the notice of assessment, the whole pro- 
ceeding was adjudged invalid by the courts. Repeated efforts for 
relief were made to subsequent Legislatures, but without avail. 
Thus disastrously to the i)rojectors resulted this great effort to pro- 
mote the convenience and prosperity of the town of Kingston. It 
cannot be said, therefore, that the failure of Kingston to extend its 
arms into the interior, in l)oth a westward and south westward direc- 
tion, was w-holly attributable to a want of effort. It may well be 
said, however, that too much responsibility was thrown ujion a 
./'ew, but shirked by the many. 

There are some facts connected with the histoiy of tlie old 
King's highway above referred to, which may, jierliaps, as well be 
set forth here, although they may be considered rather out of 
place. 

A road from Esopus (Kingston) through tlie valley of the Ron- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 411 

doutand the Mamakating liollow, to and aloiif;' the Delaware Kiver, 
to the extent of a handled nulcs and over, lias iindonhtcdly existed 
from an early period in the settlement of the country, probably 
located upon an old Indian path. Wiien it was orifjinally worked 
is shrouded in mystery. Tliere are various and contlicting- sur- 
mises and traditions in regard to it. 

As early as May, 17:54, a petition was presented to the General 
Assembly of New York for action on their part to compel the re- 
pair of the road on the ground tiiat several ])ersons in West Jersey 
and Pennsyhania had no other way to transjjort their jtrodiu-e. 

It is supposed, and has been generally credited, that the open- 
ing of that road had something to do witli tlie old mine holes under 
the mountains at tiie lower point ol' " Paampquarry" Hats, al)out 
three uules above the water-gap (m the Delaware ; also the " Yaag- 
BruTi," in Minisink (Hunters' Spring\ dug under the Sliawanguiik 
ilountains to an iiulcuown depth, and otlier ancient holes at ditl'ei'- 
ent localities along the route. There is no doubt that it is the 
oldest road of its length — one hundred miles — in the country. 

There was a connnunication published in llazartV k Jiei/inicr in 
1828, which contains the narrative of an interview with Nicholas 
De Pui, an old settler at the iMinisink flats. He was then ahout 
sixty years of age, and gave traditionary accounts of what he had 
heard from his ancestors and others of former generations sub- 
stantially as follows, as stated in the Jicr/islcr : 

That in some former age a company of mineis had come 
from Holland. It was supposed, from the great laboi- which had 
been expended liy them in opening the road (which was about one 
hundred miles long), and in working the two ndnes, that they 
must have been very rich. One of the nnnes was situated on the 
Delaware river, where the mountain approaches the lower point of 
" Paampquarry " Hats ; the other was in the north foot of the same 
mountain, al)out half-way between the Delawaie River and Esopiis. 
That he had also understood that abundance of ore had been car- 
ried over the I'oad, but did not know whether it was lead or silver. 

He fui'ther stated that the tirst settleis came from Holland to 
escape persecution on account of their religion. In cf)ming, they 
followed tlie mine load to the large fiats on the Delawaiv. There 
the smooth, cleared laml, suiting their views, they Ijougiit the im- 
provements fiom the native Indians. jVIost of the natives then 
iuo\ed to the Susipiehanua lliver. That they were at peace with 
the Indians that remained until IT.Vi. 

In the early days of our history, nml, indeed, until the success- 
ful opei'ation of the steanilioat, tlie conununication with New York 
from Kingston was by sailing vessels. The principal \yAvt of the 
vessel was devoted to freight. Still, the cabin in the stern was fitted 



412 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

lip with ten or a dozen berths for the accommodation of passengers, 
and the forecastle in front for cooking pniposes and the con- 
venience of the crew. As it was then usually a voyage occupying 
from two to three days, and sometimes more, depending on the 
wind and tide, those intending to go for business or pleasure 
usually sought to procure congenial company for the voyage. Fre- 
quently, if brought to anchor by both wind and tide being adverse, 
some of the passengers would land and have a jolly time on shore 
for an hour or more picking and eating berries or fruits in their 
season, or wandering about in the woods or village. The passenger 
was at liberty either to furnish his own provisions or board with 
the captain at the sloop's table. Usually the well-to-do people 
made ample provision of cooked eatables in their chests, for their 
journey back and forth, and for which generally their poultry- 
roost was made to suffer. During the voyage every one was ex- 
pected to have a good time, and they laid themselves out for its 
enjoyment. One end of the chests in use in those days was usually 
fitted with compartments for safely carrying the old-fashioned 
"Holland gin" flasks, and it was not considered fully stocked 
while they were empty. The chest was of sufficient size to carry 
everything needful for the journey and bring back the purchases. 

The sloops did not, in fact, cease to carry passengers until after 
1820, when competition between diiferent lines of steamers on the 
river reduced the fare to a reasonable price. 

The following accident, occurring to one of the Kingston sloops 
on the 11th of June, 1820, as narrated in the Plebeian of the fol- 
lowing week, will serve to show the number of passengers some- 
times carried in the sloops as late as that date, and after more than 
ten years of steamboat transportation : 

" On Saturday last about four O'clock, in the afternoon one of 
the sloops owned by Mr Abraham Hasbrouck of our Landing, Mr 
Jacob Du Bois Captain, was dismasted near the State prison on its 
passage from New York to this place, having thirty i^as^engers 
aboard. The Captain, we understand, hailed the event by an 
hurrah, for the fortunate escape of his passengers — not one having 
received the least injury. That escape was truly miraculous." 

At fii-st the communication between Kingston and New York 
by sloop was, of course, irregular and infrequent. As the country 
improved, and poijulation increased, the commercial intercourse of 
Kingston with other places advanced proportionately, and led to 
the establishment of regular packet lines between the two places, 
with regular sailing days, giving the citizens of Kingston weekly 
communication with the metropolis. 

After that two rival lines were soon in operation, (me owned by 
Abraham Hasbrouck, the other by William Swart. The William 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 413 

Swart line clianged ])roprietors several times, and subsequently, 
but jiruu- to 1825, tlu> Inisiness of that line was transf('rr<'(l to 
Twaall'skill. Mr. Ruriis H. Skeel, a retired merchant oT New 
York, an early frieml of the writer, wlio moved witli his father, 
Theron Skeel, to Twaalfskill in IS'i.'), lias given .some intei'csting- 
details in reference to the conunerce of Kingston at that date, 
furnishing a good criterion to estimate that of a prior date. 

" Tiie wliole of tlif freight from Kingston to New Yoi'l^ was car- 
ried in four sloops of one hundred tons each— the Comptroller and 
Martin Wynkoop, from the Strand (Kingston Landing), OAvned by 
Abraliam llashrouck, and the Convoy and Convention, from 
Twaalfskill, owned by Tajjpen, El tinge & Co., in which Theron 
Skeel was interested. Each sloop made a trip in two weeks. Two 
left the Rondont Creek on Friday, and two left New York on the 
same day. Tiiere was but little to go either way ; about seventy 
tons in each sloop to New York, and abcjut twenty tons each week 
from New York, for eight months of each year ; more in spring 
and fall, less in summei-. Firewood and hoop-])oles made the Imlk 
of the freight down, and supplies for the country merchants the 
bulk of the freight up the river. There were no manufactures and 
very little grain sent to New York. Soiue sawed lumber was car- 
ried. The Kondout Creek was then only navigated h^- those four 
sloops, and was so quiet that the hull of a boat built for steam, but 
unfinished, was sent from New York in ]S2f! to be laid uj) on the 
south bank of the creek between Twaalfskill and the Strand. That 
vessel was towed from New York into the Rondout Creek by the 
steaml)oat New London, which was the llr.st steamboat to enter 
that stream. That hull was some years sidiseqnently sold to the 
Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, used by them as a freight 
barge, and named the Lackawanna. 

'* With the progress and com])letion of the Delaware :ind llud.son 
Canal the freighting business was very much increased, and the 
four sloops in 1828 ran full for half of the year. In 182i), when the 
canal was opened to Honesdale, more sIoojjs were added. In that 
year also the steamboat Congress was brought into the creek by i\Ir. 
Theron Skeel, and used for freight and passengers between Twaalfs- 
kill and New York, and was the first steamer for passfrngcrs run 
into the creek. It towed one or two freight barges from Pough- 
keepsie to New York, but had oidy a little freight and few pas- 
sengers out of the Rondont Creek. In 18:31 the steamer lludstm 
was brought into the Rondout Creek and run from the Straud, or 
Kingston Landing, to and from New York." 

After the estal>lishuient of the freighting business at Twaalfs- 
kill an elderly lady, who had been born ami brought up at that 
place, iu sight of the creek, used to say that ' ' Twaalfskill was not 



414 HISTORY OF KINGSTO^r. 

as laleasant then as when she was a girl— about 1810 — then no 
sloops came up there ; no vessels were seen save Indian canoes 
and skiffs bringing a bag or two of grain to be ground at the 
mill.'" 

In 1825, and for some years subsequent, there was no road along 
Rondout Creelv from Twaalfskill in either direction, neither to the 
Strand (Rondout), nor to Eddyville in the other course. 

At this time the great wealth of Kingston and its vicinity in 
, Ulster County — bluestone and cement — lay undeveloped and 
hidden in the bosom of the earth. It was not until the fall of 18B6 
that Philip Y. J). Lockwood, the pioneer in the development of 
oxiY fiag stone, opened the quarry, and in 1837 made tlie first 
shipment of flagstone that was made from this county to the 
city of New York. Ezra Fitch next took up the business. Others 
followed their lead, and now the trade amounts to millions of 
dollars annually, and the bluestone of Ulster County may be 
found covering walks and forming sills and lintels of doors and 
windows in nearly every city of the Union. The cement manufac- 
ture some years after 1820 was started in a small way by three 
I brothers, John, Moses, and Jacob Hoffman, in the neighboring town 
' of Hurley, now Rosendale ; they were soon followed by Watson E. 
Lawrence ; and there are now in Kingston and neighboring towns 
millions of dollars invested in its manufacture, and the iron rail 
stretching over the land in every direction, and the mighty ocean 
washing the shores of the Union, and its numberless tributaries 
penetrating the interior, bear the Ulster County cement in vast 
quantities to every section of the country. 

The x^iissage of the first steamboat down the river was a notable 
event ; it gave rise to many curious surmises and ideas by those 
who unexpectedly witnessed it. That was in 1807, AA'hen Fulton 
made his first successful passage with his newly constructed steam- 
boat. It must have been indeed a novel sight at that time to see a 
boat with revolving wheels uncovered ploughing through the 
water. Mr. Mulks, an aged gentleman of this city, informed the 
son of the writer that he was then a little boy residing with his 
father on the banks of the Hudson where tlie channel came close 
to the shore. There were some friends visiting them at the time 
who had a little boy with them. The little visitor, seeing the 
boat come along, cried out in amazement to his mother, ' ' Ma ! 
ma ! come ; come and see the wagon go throiigh the river without 
horses !" 

For a number of years after the invention of steamboats their 
usual sj)eed was less than eight miles an hour. By their schedule 
time between New York and Albany, as late as twelve years after 
their introduction upon the Hudson, they left Albany at nine in 



HISTORY OF KITfGSTON. 415 

the moriiino;, were due at Kingston at five o'clock in the afternoon, 
and at Xew York at five o'clock the next morning. Tlieir adver- 
tisicd time I'or the return trij) was to leave Xew York at five P.M., 
arrive at Kingston at five a.m., and at Albany at one p.m. Not-J 
witlist:inding such scliedide time, tlu'V s(4dom arrived on time. 
The (_"lermont was the first boat. That w;i8 followed successively 
by the Paragon, the Lady Richmond, the Chancellor Livingston, 
and the James Kent, all built and owned by the same company. 
The usual mode of receiving and landing way i)assengers in the 
early steamboat days was by smnll boat with long towline attached. 
That towline was at one time drawn in by a windlass attached to 
the machinery when the boat was in motion. Then the small boats 
were frequently drawn a mile antl upward behind the steamer 
before reaching it. The law finally interfered and prohibited the 
lines being attached to any part of the machinery. After that the 
l)oats were drawn in by hand. Then it liecame necessary for the 
boatmen to stop the headway of the steamboat and iipproach as 
neai' the dock ;is possible. Tlirit mode of landing wms appnrently 
attended with much danger, but it was generally adopted for many 
years -with very few accidents. 

There were no statei'ooms to the steamboats in those early days, 
and the fare included meals as well as passage. There was gener- 
ally, therefore, a great rush for the table, as well as for berths and 
cots. 

The first regular communication between Xew York and Albany 
by stage was established on the east side of the river by Isaac Van 
Wyck and others, under a statute passed April 4th, 1785, giving ( 
them the entire mono])oly of the business for ten years by expressly 
prohibiting any competing lines. 

It was not until some time after that stages were established 
between Xew York and Albany on the west side of the river. That 
was done, however, in the early part of the century by a company 
styling themselves " the Goshen, Kingston, and Albany Stage 
Line." They made trips thrice a week with two-horse stages dur- 
ing the suspension of navigation by the ice. That line of stages 
was continued until 1S14, when there' was a change of i)roprietors 
and arrangements. The change is thus noticed in the Plebeian of 
December 2()th, 1814 : 

■'The new line of Mail stages, drawn by four horses, on the 
west side of Hudson's River, between Xew York and Alliany, 
promise to be of great pul)lic utility. Tliej- arrive in this village 
every day in the week, Monday excepted, and at much earlier 
hours than the old line did. . . . We are much pleased to find 
that so good a substitute has been provided for Steam Boats at the 
present season, during suspension of navigation by the ice." This 



416 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

"daily" arrival is understood to have been one day up and the 
next day down. 

The old line changed horses at Goshen, at Mr. De Witt's (Green- 
kill), and at Catskill. The new line made their changes at Goshen, 
New Paltz, and Catskill. Samuel Budd, of New Paltz, was one 
of the principal proprietors, or, rather, had the part of the route 
from New Paltz to Catskill. 

The new line of stages continued with occasional change of pro- 
prietors until after 1820. But Kingston never enjoyed, prior to 
1820, nor, indeed, for many years thereafter, a daily line of stages 
either with New York or Albany on the west side of the river ; and 
when during the susjjension of navigation they received a daily 
mail, it was by way of Rhinebeck. 

Postal facilities in those early days were very poor, as will be 
inferred from a notice which apjieared in the Fanners' Register, 
a paper published in Kingston. The notice appeared in the issue 
of Saturday, August 17th, 1793, as follows : " Those gentlemen, 
who wish to have their letters forwarded by post, are requested to 
send them to the Post office at Kingston on Wednesday evening." 

In 1815 the advertised letters remaining in the post-office at 
Kingston, to be called for, included letters for Esopus, New Paltz, 
Hurley, Marbletown, Rochester, Marlborough, Wawarsing, Platte - 
kill, Woodstock, Neversink, and Westfield. The advertisement 
for January, 1820, included letters for Hurley, Esopus, Marble- 
town, Woodstock, Marlborough, Rochester, Beaverkill, and Rocky 
Hill. 

The following extracts from a notice, under date of March 28th, 
1815, taken from the Ulster PJeheian, will serve the double pur- 
pose of illustrating the great want of postal facilities at that date, 
and how hard was then the printer's lot. 

" For various imperious reasons, we have concluded to stop the 
circulation of the Plebeian, after the present week, through the 
towns of Hurley Ma-r))letown Rochester Wawarsing Mamakating 
Shawangunk Plattekill Marlborough New Paltz and Esopus, by a 
Post rider employed as heretofore at the exj^ense of this office. As 
we wish the papers to be read throughout our own County, and also 
in Sullivan, especially as long as the two Counties are identified in 
interest in the elective franchise, we take the liberty to recommend 
to our Patrons in those places to form clubs where practicable, to 
procure the papers either from the office or the nearest Post office. 
The greatest number of papers we circulate on the above mentioned 
route, are between this village and William Sypher's in Wawar- 
sing, a distance of about thirty miles ; in the whole of which extent 
there is no Post Office. Mr Sypher lives about twelve miles from 
the Post office in Bloomingburgh Sullivan County. We therefore 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 417 

presiime that a iiuiuber of our Patrons south of Mr Sypher's and 
in Sullivan may conveniently get the ])aj>prs at that office." Then, 
after stating that Shawangunk and New Paltz have post-offices, and 
Esopus had formed a club to get the papers at the office, he regrets 
that he does not know how to accomuuxlate Plattekill and Marl- 
borough, which have no post-offices. The notice then further pro- 
ceeds as follows : " The fact is we have paid at the rate of .$182 per 
annum for carrying 175 Plebeians on that route, when better than 
two thirds of those papers were left between tliis and Mr Sypher's, 
from whence our Post has usually gone to Bloomiugburgh Sliawan- 
gunk Plattekill Marlborough New Paltz and Esopus an extent of 
I'io miles taking four days to perform the tour. We are con- 
strained to declare that we cannot afford the incidental expenses of 
that post rider. . . . 

(Signed) " John Tappen" 

His conclusion appears a very reasonable one when we take into 
consideration tlia.t the sul)scri])tion ])i'ice of the ])aper was by post 
$2 per annum. More than one half Hk; subscription used up in the 
distribution ! 

A post route was established from Kingston to Milford, Pa., in 
1817. On the i:Jtli day of November in that year the first United 
States mail-carrier started from Kingston on that route on horse- 
back, making one trip a week. 

The tirst newspaper printed in this county was the one referred 
to in the previous jiortion of this history as published by John 
Holt, lie was the State ])rinter, and follo\ved the Legislature here, / 
but was driven away when Kingston was destroyed. 

The first newspaper published after the Revolution was the 
Farmers^ Register, by William Copp. The publication of that 
paper was commenced in 17'J2, and had only a f)rief existence. A 
short time after that ceased to enlighten the public Mr. Copp asso- 
ciated himself with Samuel Freer in the starting and publication 
of another weekly journal called the liisiaf/ Star. After that 
})aper had passed through a short period it found its patronage was 
unsupporting, and came to a dead halt. Next in order came the 
\^\s\ev (lazctfc, which commenced its career in 1708 as the supporter 
and unflinching advocate of the doctrines of the Federal Party. It 
was conducted by Samuel Freer and son until the death of the 
father; after that it was continued by the son, Sauuu'l S. Freer. 
It continued and flourished as a strong party organ until some 
time in the third decade in this century, when it expired, never 
having yielded an uncertain sound on any political question in- 
volving Federal principles or measures. 

In the year 1802 the Ulster Plebeian, an anti-Federal or Eepub- 
27 



418 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

lican paper, was established in Kingston by Jesse Buell. The 
publication was commenced in the old stone lionse standing on the 
south side of Pearl Street, between Fair Street and Clinton Avenue. 
Mr. Buell moved to Albany in 1813, and established the Albany 
Argus. In July, 1814, he disposed of the Fleheiaii to John 
Tappen, who assumed the publication and editorship of the paper 
until his death in 1831, since which time it has changed propi'i- 
etors several times and names twice, first to the Ulster Republi- 
can^ next to the Argus, under which title it is still edited and pub- 
lished by Mr. Crouch. 

In these papers was conducted in the early years of this century 
the bitter political controversy between General Armstrong and 
• Barent Gardinier. The difficulty started in the publication by 
Barent Gardinier of a letter found among the papers of Major Grier, 
an Irishman, and an American officer in the Revolution, in which 
it is alleged Armstrong acknowledged himself to be the author of 
the celebrated "New Burgh army letters." The controversy was 
kept up from time to time for two or three years, and the dis- 
cussion included the great political questions of the day. 

Both those papers, as party organs, were conducted with much 
ability, and neither ever wavered in the advocacy and maintenance 
of the doctrines, measures, and candidates of its party. 

Other papers and party organs have since sprung up, but as 
none of them tlouiished prior to 1820, they call for no particular 
mention here. / 

Samuel S. Freer during his control of the Gazette was the great 
travelling apostle of Federalism in this and adjoining counties. 
The editing, composing, and printing of his pajjer was accomplished 
in the first half of the week. On Wednesday afternoon the carrier 
did his duty through the village, and the post-office received its 
quota, which was a small one. On Thursday morning the saddle- 
bags, after being filled with the copies of the Gazette for distribu- 
tion to country subscribers, were thrown across the saddle, and 
" Uncle Sam," as he was called, mounted on toja and started to 
spend the rest of the week journeying through Ulster, Orange, and 
Sullivan counties distributing his papers and enunciating in public 
places and at family firesides on his way his favorite political doc- 
trines, trying to make converts and confound his political op- 
ponents. 

At times during his career he also undertook the distribution 
of the Plebeian, thus carrying the Republican or Democratic anti- 
dote with him. 

Freer having in the eai'ly part of his career published in his 
papers some matters derogatory to the Supreme Court, was cited 
to appear before the court at Albany to answer for the offence. He 



IITSTOUY OF KINGSTON". 419 

went to Albany and saw Alexander Hamilton, who sympathized 

witli liim as a brotlicr FedtM'alist. TLiiiiiltoii's reply to him was, 

•■ Well, my good I'ellow, we do not know what we can do for you. 

If the court should imprison yoTi, that will have to be borne by 

you alone ; we cannot suffer in your stead ; but should they fine 

you, the money shall be forthcoming. As regartls (H)unsel, I am 

with you heart and hand, and will plead your cause." The trial 

came on, llanulton argued his case in a most powerful speech. 

When he had concluded the court fined Freer ten dollars, of course . t 

a virtual triumph. Freer lost a fortune in the publication of his ^^^^ 

paper and died poor. He was a man of considerable ability, a good '^ Vji^-'*' 

political manager, and strong in a political discussion. J >-j^~^ 

John Tappen, who was the editoi- and proprietor of the Ulster ir^"^ 
Plebeian for seventeen years, and until liis death on the 20th of 
April, 1831, at the age of sixty-tive years, was ediu'ated to the i)ro- 
fesslon of law, which he followed until he assununl the duties 
of editor in 1814. His mother was the sister of General Georgel 
Clint<m ; his father was Christopher, and his grandfather riuistoffel 
Tapjjen, whose names we have found pronuuent in tlie history of 
this place during the provincial and revolutionary periods. 

i^Ir. Tappen was a man of fine talents, sterling integrity, and 
withal a devoted, exemplary Christian. After taking cliarge of 
the Plebeian he confined himself strictly to its jnanagement, so 
much so as seriously to imjiair his health and prematurelj^ hasten 
his death. Under him the editorial columns of tlie Plebeian never 
wavered in the advocacy of Republican principles, and the able, 
firm, and unyielding support of the candidates and measures of his 
party. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

HABITS AND CUSTOMS. 

rr^HE early settlers of Esopus were neither needy adventurers 
J- nor speculators who left their homes to seek their fortunes, 
nor were they criminals escaping from justice ; but they were men 
and women who deserted birthplace and kindred for conscience' 
sake. Rather than submit to tyranny and abjure their religious 
faith, they left father, mother, and kindred, comfortable homes 
endeared to them by early associations, and braved the terrors of 
the deep, ran the hazards of a border life surrounded by savages 
to reach an asylum and abide in a home wliere they could without 
restraint worship God according to the dictates of their conscience, 
and enjoy freedom in their religious belief. Such were tlie early 
settlers of Kingston, and such the causes whicli drove them from 
their fatherland. 

We have in this history followed them and their descendants 
through many decades of years ; some distinguished for the enjoy- 
ment of peace and comfort, others burdened with the deadly war- 
wlioop and bloody massacre ; others, again, passed in the peaceful, 
but at the same time earnest struggle for their rights as freemen, 
and again defending and demanding those rights at the cannon's 
mouth. Twice were they the victims of the marauder's torch; 
the first tluit of the uncivilized, the second of the civilized, but 
equally barbarous and relentless foe. Still, amid all these changes 
and trials they remained firm in adherence to the faith of their 
fathers, and nnyielding in their demand for freedom and religious 
toleration, and steadfast in their favorite doctrine — " No taxation 
without representation." 

We have now in our narrative of events passed over nearly two 
centuries since the settlement of Esopus, and have thus reached the 
third decade of the nineteenth century in the Christian era. At 
that time a large majority of the citizens of Kingston were the 
direct descendants of the early settlers, and in many of them could 
be traced the sturdy character of their ancestry. The Dutch ele- 
ment \A as then largely in the ascendant, the Dutch language was 
the i)redominant language at the fireside, and Dutch customs pre- 
vailed in social intercourse. The settlement had increased grad- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 421 

ually, but improvements were and had long been at a " stand still, " 
and it had not kept pace with many of its neighboring villages. It 
was not and had not then l)een crazed by the spirit of adventure 
and speculation. But the time appeai-s to have arrived for a 
new order of things. Tt is a trite saying that " There is a tide in 
the ail'airs of men, wliich, taken at the Hood, leads on to fortune." . 
Tile i)rogress of events has shown that such tidal wave, in connec- 
tion with tlie suliject of this historical sketch, set in during that 
third decade, and has ever since continued increasing in force as it 
has progressed, and still continues its forward progress with un- 
abated strengtli and power. This appears, therefore, a propei- point 
at which to pause and take observations and reckonings. It is so 
especially as the vast influx of population since that time has 
obliterated the peculiar characteristics of the inhabitants of those 
times, and the memory of them is fast passing away. 

The personal recollections of the writer commence with that third 
decade, and the statements which follow of the condition of the 
l)lace, and of the social customs and general character of the inhab- 
itants at that time, are based upon his own personal recollections, 
contirmed by some of his then youthful associates still living, with 
whom he wandered in boyish glee through every nook and corner 
of the tlien village and vicinity, roamed about the glens and rocks, 
lk)undered in the creeks in summer, and glided over theu" icy sur- 
face in the winter, meeting with no inliabitant, young or old, with 
whom he did not liave or could not claim an acquaintance. 

As has been remarlced, Dutch customs then prevailed in social 
intercourse. Xeither the fashinnalilc moi'iiiug calls of the present 
day between neighbors, nor tlie large iiiiduight parties, turning 
night into day, were then in vogue. The custom between neighbor-"/ 
ing ladies was the interchange of afternoon visits. One, two, or 
three, as might be convenient, sending a message to a neiglibor, 
that if agreeable they would spend the afternoon with her. If 
convenient tlie answer was in the affirmative, if not another early 
time would be named. Upon the day li.\ed the visiting matrons 
appeared about two o'clock in the afternoon, work in hand — usually 
l^nitting. The entire afternoon was s])ent in neighljorly cliat, and 
about live o'clock the gentlemen of the families made tlieir appear- 
ance. That was the signal for tea. No elaborate prejjarations were 
made for entertainment at the tea-table, nor expected. The table, 
of course, was decorated with the old-fashioned silver, and siiort 
cake, plain cake, and preserves were the })rincipal accompaniments 
of the old Hyson. Soon after tea the guests took theh- departure. 
In due time the visit was returned in like manner. Of course 
morning and afternoon calls were made between acquaintances and 
friends, and particularly upon strangers ; but they did not savor 



422 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

of the formal character of those of the present day. Strangers, 
when visiting in the village in those clays, always received special 
attention, and never could complain of want of hospitality or of 
neglect. 

For tea-parties verbal invitations were usually given tlie previ- 
ous day. On such occasions the lady guests wei-e expected about 
five o'clock in the afternoon, and the gentlemen about six, or a little 
after. About seven tea and its accompaniments were served by 
passing them to the guests seated about the room. After tea the 
evening was spent by the young people in games of diif erent kinds, 
to suit their fancy. Dancing was seldom indulged in at private 
parties. Sometimes a contra-dance or two miglit be indulged in 
to the music of the jewsharp played by one of the slaves. Pianos 
were not then, as now, "plentiful as blackberries." There was 
only one in the whole place ; tlmt was at Mrs. Rachel Beekman's. 
In 1821 or 1822 another was brought into the village by Madame 
Hardy, a French lady, for her daughter Laura, who subsequently 
married Judge John Van Buren. She at that time boarded 
Avith the mother of the writer. When Miss Hardy j)ractised, 
as she usually did toward evening, crowds were attracted about 
the windows, filling the sidewalks to listen to the unfamiliar 
music. Then the ball- rooms monopolized the dancing. Usually 
the young gentlemen early in the winter arranged for a series 
of balls during the season, and designated the managers. The 
selected managers issued invitations and made all the necessary 
arrangements. They escorted all the ladies to and from the ball- 
room. No invited lady then remained at home for the want 
of a gentleman escoi't. The managers procured two or three 
I sleighs or other conveyances, and they pei'sonally, with such con- 
veyances, called for the ladies at their homes and brought them to 
the dancing house. After tlie managers had completed the gather- 
ing of the ladies about eight o'clock, they escorted them to the 
ball-room, where the gentlemen had by that time assembled, and 
the dancing at once commenced to the music of the violin, usually 
with " Money Musk," and closed some time after midnight with 
the Virginia reel, when the managers escorted all the ladies to 
their homes. The favorite dances were contra-dances, frequently 
interspersed with cotillons. The matrons of that day would have 
been horrified to have any of their children engage in any of the 
fashionable round dances of the present day, and their introduction 
would soon have made . the ball-room a forbidden place. Church 
meml)ers seldom, if ever, attended the dance — it was not considered 
tlie pioper place for them. 

Tlie expenses of the ball were paid by an assessment upon the 
gentlemen in attendance, varying in amount from a dollar and a 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 423 

half to three dollars each. The refreshments were generally cake, 
lemonade, and wine. A hot sujjper, with turkey and oysters, was 
sometimes jjrovided, but it was the exception rather than the rule. 

At that period the full dress of a gentleman was a blue swallow- 
tail, doulile-breasted coat with brass buttons, and a high, stiff, 
rolling collar; vests and pants to match in color, if not white. 
The shirts were provided with ruffles projecting through the open- 
ing of the vest, and high, upright collars encircled with white 
neckerchief folded wide so as to reach the chin and tied in a bow 
in front. For the ball-room white silk or cotton stockings, with 
liuiu])s having single soles, were indispensable. 

iilack cloth, unless in cases of deep mourning, was seldom worn, 
except by clergymen ; it was considered their appropriate Insignia. 

The ordinary dress of the ladies Avas plain, so that it was com- 
num for a dressmaker to complete one in a single day, and made, 
generally, of inexpensive material. The almost universal insignia 
of the married lady was a cap, small, and of thin lace for the 
younger class, and increasing in thickness and size as time rolled 
on, and the tell-tale hair showed signs of approaching age. 

The farmers generally raised more or less Hax yearly, and after 
that was gathered and dressed the hum or music of the spinning- 
wheel could be heard in almost every house. Then when the 
weaver had performed his duties, the products, as well the tow as 
the linen cloths, were used for some articles of clothing and other 
domestic purjioses. 

The wool gathered from the sheep also, after passing through 
the wool-carding and dressing machines, came back to the family 
to be converted into yarn, some for the supply of the knitting- 
needles, and the rest for the weavers' loom, to be converted into 
Hannel and cloth for domestic use. 

There was scarcely a season of the year but what in many 
houses the young people could be found sewing together strips 
of cloth, useless for any otlier purpose, i)re]taratory to sujjplying 
themselves with a new rag carpet for one of the choice I'oonis of the 
house. 

The houses were generally provided with front stoo])s having 
seats. There, in warm, pleasant weather, the family, \nth, perhaps, 
some neighbois, congregated after the day's work was over, spend- 
ing an hour or two in social chat befoi-e early retirement. Fre- 
quently at such times the matron of the house might be seen lean- 
ing over the lower half of the front door joining in and listening ) 
to the chat. 

Their habits were thus at that time simple and plain. Not 
accustomed to the luxuries of the city and fashionable society, 
theii- wants were few and modei-ate. A man then worth fifteen or 



424 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

twenty thousand dollars was considered wealthy, and as indepen- 
dent as one who can in these days count his hundreds of thousands. 

The only church in Kingston at the commencement of that de- 
cade was the Reformed Dutch, with two services regularly every 
Sabbath and one on Thursday evening of each week. An inter- 
regnum of church service in the summer, for the recuperation of 
the worn-out energies of the minister, was not thought of or sug- 
gested. The attendance on the Sabbath at church was very general 
on the part of old and young. As the church at that time was not 
furnished with the conveniences necessary to bring its temperature 
to summer heat, an elderly matron in winter was usually accom- 
panied by a younger meml>er of the family, or colored boy or girl, 
carrying a foot-stove with a test full of live coals to keep her feet 
warm. Her body and hands were protected by a short red cloak 
and the marten-skin muff and tippet. 

The streets during service were deserted, and no loungers were 
hanging round. There was then no exhibition of young men loiter- 
ing in and around cigar-shops and the piazzas of hotels, puffing 
the Virginia weed during any part of tliat or even other days. 
Indeed, the etiquette of those days Avould not have tolerated for 
an instant a gentleman smoking a cigar in the streets in company 
with a lady, either riding or walking. What a change since then, 
and whei'e is the improvement 'I 

At the time of which we are now writing there were many 
pleasant and inviting walks in the immediate neighborhood of tlie 
village of Kingston, which were very much enjoyed in the warm 
summer afternoons and twilight hours by the young people. 
Afternoon and evening strolls v/ere very fashionable with the 
young gentlemen and ladies, and much more enjoyed than the con- 
fined air of the i)ai'lors. If those old lanes and byways, now by 
the march of improvement either obliterated or shorn of tlieir at- 
tractiveness and beauty, could talk, and relate things of the past, 
it is believed that many soft words and i)lighted vows exchanged 
between those who have since passed through the stern realities of 
life would be the burden of their tales. 

The first of these favorite walks turned from the village at the 
junction of Pearl and Green streets, and then, after crossing the 
brook and following a farmers' lane for a short distance, a bed of 
fiat rocks was reached, several acres in extent, presenting a smooth, 
even surface, broken only by narrow fissures separating the differ- 
ent layers. A large part of the tract was clear of any trees or 
shrubs ; another part had more or less cedai'-trees and shrubbery 
growing up out of the crevices, which fomied a jileasant and cool 
shade. 

Here were also found the various forms of snail-sheUs, some in- 



HISTOUY OF KIXGSTON. 425 

habited and others deserted ; also petrifactions in abundance, and 
where the search of the geohiyist would have been well rewarded by 
the free use of the mallet and chisel. 

The place is now entirely chan<i;ed ; our great canal, comming- 
ling- the waters of the Erie and Hudson, and other large works of 
imitrovement. have drawn u))<)u its n^sources until its surface is 
entirely changed, so that it now forms the blooming garden of a 
gentleman of leisure. 

Passing across the rocks over to the "big fly road," a- short 
Avalk brought the pedestrians to the top of the high gi'ouud in tlie \ 
real' of the village, where one of the most lovely landsc;i]M's oix'ncd 
to the view, embracing the village of Kingston, surrounded by its 
broad expanse of lowlands and cultivated farms, and the lordly 
Catskills bounding the horizon in the distance, thus presenting a 
broad, extensive view with which the eye could never tire. 

Again, jjassing down Wall Street a little beyond the last house 
in the street, a place aptly called " Love Lane" was reached ; that 
was another route to the heights above referred to. On entering 
the lane from Wall Street the pedestrians found themselves in a 
secluded path, skii'ted with trees and shrubs on both sides, leading 
to the •' Steene Schuthook," where, after i)assing through a. closely 
shaded walk in the woods of that name, the pedestrians would again 
find themselves on the heights with the enchanting view before 
them. Or if, when the " Steene Schuthook" was reached, they 
had taken the path to the left and followed it up the "■ Kuyckuyt" -^ 
Hill. OH reaching the top an ecpially nuigniticent view would be 
s])read out before them. 

Again, the pedestrians, instead of being enticed from Wall Street 
by the cool shade of Love Lane, might have continued their walk 
down the street a short distance fa it her and rested themselves in 
the Indian .seat, where the indentations in the rock by the wayside 
gave strong evidence that it had been the resting-place of weary 
natives before the substance had hardened into stone. After a 
brief rest, rambling a few rods farther brought them to the rocks, 
wjiere with little trouble they could in a short time provide them- 
selves with a collection of handsome petrifactions and shells, to 
which the Senior Professor Silliiuan, of Yale College, alluded in 
one of his scientific works. Extending their walk farther, they 
reached the brink of " Joghasm Gat" (Jacob Valley) ; then fol- 
lowing the well-trodden path down the steep declivity, a clear 
running trout brook was reached, i)rincipally the outpouring of a 
single spring, and well skirted with trees on either side, just the 
spot to entrance the romancer and the angler. 

But the angler would likely continue his course farther down, 
and if unsuccessful in his search for trout continue onwanl until 



426 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

he reached the ponds of the Twaalfskill, where he was sure very 
soon to till his basket with the small but delicious fish, called 
" spaanacoker," which when properly cooked furnished a treat 
not to be excelled. Unfortunately, through the frequent drain- 
age of the ponds and the erection and working of a tannery above, 
that delicate lish has become extinct, and its delicacy and tooth- 
someness are now only to be remembered and talked of, not enjoyed. 
The young boys of that day, the writer can allege from experience, 
enjoyed many a delightful Sunday morning breakfast when dis- 
cussing the results of their angling in those ponds the previous 
afteinoon. The fish were then abundant, and it was no uncommon 
thing, when the line was provided with two or three hooks, to 
find, draw after draw, every hook laden with its captive. 

The stores were few ; all kept a miscellaneous, but not a large 
stock of goods, as in ordinary country stoi'es. A number of them 
were kept by widow ladies as a means of support. Every mechan- 
ical trade had its representative, and all their work was accom- 
plished by hand without the aid of any of the labor-saving ma- 
chinery of the jjresent day. 

Most of the inhabitants were farmers having and working 
small farms in the vicinity of the village, each having as a necessary 
accompaniment to their dwelling-house in the village a large, wide- 
spread barn, usually standing directly adjacent to and facing the 
street. Some of the farm hands were slaves, or just emerged from 
slavery, and celebrated the oth of July as the day of their pros- 
pective emancipation. The farmers, through the greed of the West 
India Company, in the early settlement of the country, had had 
the curse of slavery entailed ujion them, with the usual experience 
of slave-owners : " The slaves raised the corn, the hogs consumed 
the corn, the slaves ate the hogs," and nothing was left. . 

The laborers' wages of those days were usually sixty- two and a 
half cents a day for twelve hours' work, without board, and by the 
month from seven to nine dollars, with board. The laborer with 
that income, and the mode, of life in those days, was as independent, 
and, indeed, more so, than the workingman of the present day with 
his largely increased wages. 

In those days the tailors with their shears and the shoemakers 
with their kits went I'ound accommodating tlieir patrons ;it their 
own dwellings. 

At that time the season in which the luitchers were able to ply 
their vocation was a short one. The never-omitted Ivilling time in 
the fall filled the corn-beef and pork-barrels in the cellar, and after 
the chopping-knife music, which at that season of the year was to 
be heard in every jiart of the village, the pendent sticks in the 
garret were filled with sausages, and the smoke-house at the same 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 427 

time with hanis and other meats. Such preparations, together 
with a well-stocked tnrke\ and chicken I'oost in the bam, left no 
need or occasion for draughts on the market in winter. 

The houses in the village at this period were mostly built of 
limestone, which was very abundant in the imTuediate neighbor- 
hood, and were generally only one-story high, although there were a 
few of a more aristocratic or pretending character raised an addi- 
tional story. The kitchen was usually in an extension in the rear. 

The furniture was j)lain and substantial ; with some the parlor 
chairs were substantial, old-fashioned mahogany, but generally 
handsomely fashioned, painted and gilded oak rush-bottomed -^ 
chairs, with those of a ]ilainer character for the ordinai'v dwelling- 
room. 

The bedsteads were the high post and the field bedsteads, with 
valances and curtains by which they could be entii'ely enclosed, and 
sacking bottom fastened with cords. Tlie old-l'ashioned mahogany 
sideboards and tables, especially tea-tables, were in u.se in many 
families, and very many of the old Putch faiuilies were su]>]ili('d 
with silver tea sets, some of them brought by their ancestors from 
Holland. 

At that time the principal national Dutch festivals were still in 
vogue. 

Christmas ("' 7i"/r.v//v/fZf' ) was always opened in families and 
among relatives and intimate friends with the wish of a merry 
Christmas, each one vieing to give the iirst salutation. In the 
forenoon of that day communion of the Lord's Supper was always 
administered in the church. A favorite sport for the young men 
who were not attractKl to the church was turkey shooting, usually 
below the hill north of North Front Street. Turkeys were set up 
to be shot at with pistols, distant a certain number of paces, 
at one shilling a shot, the successful marksman cairying off the 
prizes. At home, i)reparatory to dinner, tuilvcys suspended on sjjits 
occupied the Dutch ovens, or were hung from spindles before a 
blazing wood lire. The after part of the day was usually spent in 
domestic gayety. 

New Year (" Niexi Jaf) was spent in calls ; every house was 
open, and sideboards were loaded with cake and wines. 

""Paa.s,'' or Easter, was the great day for devouring eggs, and 
children and servants were always provided with colored ones. 

''Phix.sfer," Whitsuntide, was especially observed by the colored 
people as a holiday, and their hats were decorated with the early 
flowers then usually in bloom. 

" S'a/ifd CIai(,s,'' St. Nicholas or Christ Kinkle Day, occurred 
eleven days before Christmas, December 2.")th, old style. This was 
the great day, to be ushered in by Santa Claus wandering about 



428 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

distributing presents to good children and whips to the unruly, in 
their stockings hung in chimney-corners. 

The following is a translation of the old Dutch song appropriate 
to the occasion : 

" St. Nicholas, my dear good friend, 
To serve you ever was my end ; 
If you me now something will give, 
Serve you I will as long as I live." 

In those days, before all the Revolutionary patriots and their 
immediate descendants had gone to their final rest, or become in- 
capacitated by age, the usual and appropriate celebration of the 
great national festival, the anniversary of the 4th day of July, was 
never omitted. It was not looked upon and treated as a mere 
ordinary holiday, to be sjjent simply in filing cannon and crackers, 
or wandering in the country, but one to have the minds and atten- 
tion of the people drawn bade to the times whicli tried men's souls, 
and to the glorious truths and doctrines which were fought for, main- 
tained, and declared in that most i)erilous and trying period. The 
particular and important feature of the celebration in Kingston was 
the assembling of the inhabitants together in the cliTirch, it being 
the most commodious room in the place, there to listen to the read- 
ing of that grand old instrument of our fathers, the Declaration of 
Independence, and a patriotic oration prepared and deli^•ered by 
one of the leading citizens. The (diurch was always crowded, and 
political difl'erences and contentions were for a time obliterated and 
forgotten— they met on common ground. It is to be greatly re- 
gretted that such observance of the day lias virtually become 
obsolete. The great truths and principles contained in that noble 
instrument of the Revolutionary patriots cannot be too often 
brought to the notice or too strongly instilled into the minds of the 
people, and engraven upon the consciences of the rising generation. 
Surely listening to its recital once a year should not be considered 
burdensome. 

Below is inserted a copy of the newsjjaper account of its cele- 
bration in Kingston in the usual way, on the 4th of July, 1821. 
By the names recorded it will be seen that it was countenanced and 
participated in liy some of the most prominent citizens of the place. 
The orator and reader, both distinguished members and ornaments 
of the Ulster County Bar, have been called to their final account, 
the orator in the prime of life, and the reader surviving to adorn 
one of the highest judicial positions in the State. 

The chairman of the festive board was the brother-in-law of 
that sterling patriot of the Revolution, Governor George Clinton, 
and a member of the first Constitutional Convention of this State : 



HISTORY OF KISTGSTON. 429 



FOURTH OF JULY. 



" The 46th Anniversary of American Independence was cele- 
brated in this village, with unusual sj)lendor and festivity. The 
dawn was ushered in, by the discharge of cannon and ringing of 
bells ; at noon a procession, couiposetl of our most respectabh' citi- 
ens from this village and its vicinity formed at Levi Jansen's hotel, 
and preceded liy a band of music, marched to the Church. An 
eloquent and animated address was then olVered to the Tlirone of 
Grace, by the Rev Mr Gosman — the ' Declaration of Indejjen- 
dence' was, in an impressive mannei-, read by Chai'les H Ruggles 
Esq — William C'ockburn Esq then delivered an oration, to the most 
numerous and gratified audience X'erhaps ever assembled in this 
place. The scenes sutferings and trinnq)hs, through which our 
Revolutionary fathers passed, were described in glowing language : 
the conflagration of this village, particularly, was very ajjtly and 
pathetically alluded to. The oration contained many sound politi- 
cal maxims and observations, with a view to the preservation of 
our National Independence and glory. The fate of othei- republics 
was held out as warning beacons for our country to avoid the rock 
on which they stranded. 

" At tlie close oi the oration, the Band handsomely performed 
the popular air of Yankee Doodle ; whereMj)on the procession re- 
turned to the Hotel, where a large conqtany without distinction of 
party, sat down to a sumptuous repast, in the long room, which was 
decorated with flowers formed into festoons and garlands. The 
names of the i:? I'nited States in large capitals, were placed at 
equal distances around the room, enclosed in evei'green. Chris- 
toijher Tappen Esq. one of the Seven Survivors, who framed our 
State Constitution, presided, assisted by Judge Trumpbour and 
Sheriff Deyo. 

" The following toasts were drank. 1. 7V^e dap — Proud in the 
recollection of Freemen. 2— The Heroes of the Becohtt ion— \\\io 
built the pillars of our Freedom, and cemented them with their 
blood. 3. The last War — Which wafted in triumph the Star 
Spangled banner round the civilized world. 4. lite President and 
Vice President of the United, States. 5. The Governor of the 
State of New York. 6. South A/nerira-May Liberty i)lace her 
standard from Ocean to Ocean and from Pole to Pole. 7. The (llobe 
— May American Commerce whiten every Sea and crowd every Port. 
8. Science — May the American Eagle spread lier wings over her 
temple. 9. The useful arts — An American first snatched Light- 
ning from Heaven — May American Genius ever be respected. 10. 
The Inhabitants of Kin/j.ston—TheY passed through the Hames of 
the Revolution, for having formed the Charter of our rights. 11. 



430 IIISTOEY OF KINGSTON. 

The County of Ulster — May agriculture, man's first and best 
employment, distinguish her citizens. 12. The State of New 
York — She asks only her just weight in the Republic ;— may 
that never be denied her. 13. Tlie Fair Sex. — May the Moun- 
tain Goddess inspire them with sentiments worthy of Ameri- 
cans. 

" After the ringing of the bells and the discharge of an evening- 
gun had announced the close of the festivities of the day, rockets 
and other Fireworlvs were displayed in North Front Street, to the 
great amusement of a crowd of Spectators. Never has that day 
been commemorated here with a more general appearance of satis- 
faction and delight." 

It was the custom about 1820, and for sevei"al years subsequent, 
indeed, until the great anti-Masonic excitement created by the 
abduction of Morgan compelled Masonry to hide its head for a 
season, for the " Mount Horeb Chapter and Kingston Master 
JSIasons' ' to celebrate annually on the 24th of June the anniversary 
of their patron saint. On that day about noon, the IMasons, some- 
times with their high priest, king, scribe, and captain of the host 
in full regalia, and sometimes not, set forward in procession from 
the lodge-room preceded by the village band, and after marching 
through several streets entered the church. The services there 
consisted uniformly of prayers and an address by a clergyman of 
their order, interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. Upon 
the conclusion of the exercises in church the procession re-formed 
as before, and then proceeded to one of the village hotels to par- 
take of a grand dinner i^repared for the occasion. After having 
done full justice to the eatables the cloth was removed, to be fol- 
lowed by regular set toasts, abundant Mow of wine and after- 
dinner remarks. 

The citizens of this country have ever since the attainment of 
their independence, as well as before, shown a great aversion to 
standing armies. It was not strange tliat our forefathers imbibed 
that feeling, for when under the British yoke they encotmtered the 
haughty, domineering, tyrannical, and self-sufficient spirit en- 
shrined within the British gold-laced red-coat. Their descendants 
inherited the feeling, and they determined to rely mainly upon a 
citizen soldiery. That led to the adoption of a militia system for 
the organization and training of the people in military tactics. 
All able-bodied citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty-five 
years, save only a few especially exempted classes, were required to 
be arranged in companies, battalions, regiments, brigades, and 
divisions, to be commanded by officers of api)ropriate grades 
selected and commissioned in the manner designated by law. Each 
nulitiaman was required to provide himself with all the arms and 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 431 

accoutrements necessary and appropriate to the position held by 
him in thf oi-gnnization either as an officer or i)rivat('. 

Jvich military division or department iiad its appropriate beat 
or territory assigned to it. On the first Monday of September in 
every year, at nine oVlock in the foren()on, the companies were re- 
quired to rendezvous in their respective beats for the purpose of 
" training, disciplining, and improving in manual exercise." The 
commissioned and non-commissioned officers and nuisicians of each 
regiment or separate battalion were required to rendezvous in their 
respective beats one day in every year, and continue through the 
day in military exercise. 

The nulitia were also required once everj' year to assemble bj' 
regiment or separate battalion, at such time and place within tlieir 
respective beats as the commanding officer of the brigade should 
direct, for the purpose of " inspection, review and martial exer- 
cise." 

In the early yeare of the writer those days of martial exercise 
formed great times of attraction and wo;iderment, especially the 
general review, or, in tlie ordinary phrase of the time, " general 
ti-aining." That was one of the great days of the year, and from 
the iTuportance then attached to it and the crowds drawn to its 
gatherings, it requires special mention and descripticm. 

The day previous to the pai-ade witnessed extensive prepa- 
rations for the approjiriate accommodation of the military and 
spectators. The stores were usually depleted of their linuted sup- 
pi}' of hemlock boards and joists for the building of booths, to fur- 
nish resting-i)laces where the inner man could be comfortably and 
uncomfortably provided for. 

In the stores the molasses hogsheads were largely drawn upon 
to furnish the requisite amount of gingerbread and molasses candy, 
indis2)ensable articles on these occasions. Old Toeutje and his wife, 
of Columbus Point, did not at the great training day, as at other 
times, enjoy a candy monopoly, nor were there then any " trusts" 
organized, to crowd all competition out ; but on the night preceding 
the parade the colored people had many kettles of molasses, in as 
many kitchens in the village, boiling over the tires, and many hands 
tired and stiffened in giving the candy its proper delicate hue. 

In the early morning of the important day the workmen were 
plying their vocation all about the parade ground, giving the final 
touches to the booths. A little later wagon after wagon from the 
surrounding country could be seen approaching, which, besides 
being loaded witli the whole family, from the oldest to the young- 
est, had between its sides a ban-el of sweet cider on tap. and quan- 
tities of apples for sale, to defray the expenses of the journey, and 
enable them on their return home to add something to their money- 



432 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

box, if they had any. At the same time the proprietors of the 
booths were bringing in their supplies of drinlvables and eat- 
ables. 

From early in the morning nntil tlie hour of parade the roads 
leading to the villnge and the carap-gi'ound were lined with whole 
families from the country in wagons or on foot, including all — from 
the oldest to the youngest — f reqiiently with the baby at the breast, 
wending their way to see the sights. 

By nine o'clock the military companies, the great observed of 
all observers, were expected to march into the Held and take the re- 
spective places to which they belonged. KiTigston was not honored 
with any uniformed company at that date. The companies, being 
all of the " Jobuncker" class, arrived and marched separately, each 
one preceded by his captain, dressed in his " best suit" and wear- 
ing the usual high and bell-crowned hat, with a tall feather pro- 
jecting therefrom, sometimes white, sometimes black, with a few 
inches of red tipping at the top ; sometimes an epaulette resting 
on one shoulder, but invariably a sword dangling by his side and 
suspended from a red morocco belt buckled round his waist ; occa- 
sionally a red sash over the belt, more frequently none. His troops 
closely followed him in platoons, dressed in varioiis shades and 
colors, some in their best array, expecting their admiring sweet- 
hearts on the ground ; others aj^pearing as if they had just come 
from the plough, the carpenters', lilacksmiths', or other mechani- 
cal shoj) ; some having long-tail coats, some short-tail coats, and 
others without any tails to their coats at all. Their arms and 
accoutrements consisted of a musket or shotgun, with a bayonet 
dangling on the left side from a strap passed over the opposite 
shoulder, and a cartouch-box suspended in the same way from the 
other shoulder. Thus accoutred, on the soldiers marched in com- 
panies to their appropriate places. By this time there was prob- 
ably not a hamlet in the whole regiment' s beat, and perhaps not a 
farm-house, which was not represented among the spectators on 
the ground. 

The men, after being manoeuvred and practised by companies 
for an hour or more, stacked their arms, and then came the recess. 
That was the time for the soldier and the civilian beaux to mo- 
nopolize the attention and smiles of their loved ones, at the same 
time indidging their tastes and sweetening their palates with cards 
of gingerbread, and stick after stick of molasses candy, occasionally 
washing or moistening it down with some liquid sweet or some- 
thing stronger. This was the harvest time for the hucksters. 
It lasted for about an hour, when suddenly the drums sounded 
tlieir call to duty ; then the sweethearts were deserted, the guns 
were unstacked, and the soldiers formed in ranks. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 433 

Before this the guards had been set and the spectators crowded 
<nitside of the central square reserved for military movenients — 
some on foot, some on liorseliack, and some in carriages, all kinds 
of \-('hicI('s being represented. Suddenly a great buzz was heard, 
iuid the nttention of all was drawn in one diri'ction, to see the gen- 
eral, wit li his gold-laced coat and cliapeaii, mounted on a pranc- 
ing charger, at the head of his richly caparisoned and mount- 
ed staff, approai'hiug to take part in the gi-and regimental re- 
view. 

Now the military line was formed, and the practice by the entire 
regiment as one, in sliouldpring, ordering, can-ying, and presenting 
arms commenced, and then, after many marching and counter- 
marching nianoDuvres, the companies were all formed in platoons, 
and the general and his staff took their stand on the edge of the 
reserv'ed square ; the marching inspection and salutes were tiien in 
oi'der. The whole regiment marched past their general officer in 
yilatoons for review and inspection. In the mean time, while a 
considerable portion of the crowd of spectators were witnessing the 
mananivres of the military, others were engaged in depleting tlie 
booths and jjeddling wagons of all their contents. 

After the review came the marcliing from tlie field and thi'ough 
the different streets of the village, followed by the dismissal. Then 
the show was ended, and the crowd dispersed, some all right, some 
with aching heads, some with trembling, uncertain limlis, and 
otln'rs, again, a,pi)arently ignorant of whicli of tiieir ends was 
up])ermost. 

In the early pnrt of the third decade of this centui'y ii uniformed 
company called the Ulster Grays was organized in Kingston, by 
some young men who took some pride in military matters. They 
became thorougldy drilled, and were a credit to themselves and the 
town to which they belonged. 

The soldier-like demeanor and good discipline of that and other 
organizations of a similai' character throughout the State could 
not save the general nulitia system from the destructive shafts 
of ridicule well aimed at the " .lobuncker" companies, and the 
ridiculous foppery of many of their comi)any, as well as regi- 
mental officers, who apj)eared to think that with the coveted rank 
of a militia officer, by wliich they could acquire a prefix or handle 
to their name, tliey had reached the acme of fame, and were 
the envy and wonder of all observers. Such men, puffed uji with 
their fancied importance, by many of their acts disgusted respect- 
able citizens and threw discredit upon the whole system. It gave 
rise to the organization in many places of companies styled " Pan- 
tasticals. " They by using grotesque arms of various descriptions, 
from the old musket to the cane and broomstick, and with fan- 
28 



434 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

tastic dresses to match, drew large crowds of admirers to their 
parades. Men who coiild mimic aud ridicule were selected as 
officers, and by voice and manner, as well as dress, prepared the 
way for new laws, involving an entire change in onr military sys- 
tem, and the consequent abolition of the annual "general train- 
mg." 



CHAPTER XXV. 

KINGSTON AS IT WAS IX AND ABOUT 1820. 

IT is the intention, in this chapter, to give a particular descrip- 
tion of Kingston as it was in and about 1820, witli a map and ex- 
planations, wliich will be especially of local interest, showing the 
situation of the liouses and the names of their occupants, with occa- 
sionally such remtirks, biographical or histoi-ical, as the particular 
subje(.'t may ajjpear to demand. On the map the names of the 
streets are indicated by letters, as follows : X. F., North Front ; 
E. F., East Front, now Clinton Avenue ; F., Fair ; W., Wall ; C, 
Crown ; G., Green ; J., John ; M., Main ; P., Pearl ; M. L., 
Afaiden Lane; St. J., St. James'. 

1. On entering the village of Kingston from the interior, through 
what is now Hurley Avenue, a small frame building stood on the 
soiith side of the road where a hotel now stands ; it was at that 
time occupied by Cornelius Winne. 

2. After turning the corner to the right, and thus passing into 
the Bridge Road, there was, a short distance from the corner, and 
where the Russell two-story frame dwelling now stands, a building 
occupied by Reuben Nichols as a dwelling and saddle and harness- 
maker shop. 

3. A shoi-t distance farthei- to the south on the same side of the 
road (west), and fronting North Front Street at its terminus, stood 
a frame storehouse which had been built a few years previous, and 
occu])ied by A. &: A. Story. About \S-20 it passed into the posses- 
sion of J. & .1. Russell, emigrants from Scotland. 

On the south side of that store was an inlet or opening then com- 
municating with a lane leading therefrom southerly to Lucas' Turn- 
pike. That inlet was originally the commencement of the old King's 
highway to Huiley, Marbletown, etc., from that point taking a 
somewhat circuitous course ; it struck into the site of the present 
highway a short distance west of the old Winne house. The 
change of the road was made in 1813, so as to run direct into the 
Bridge Road as it now does. 

4. Opposite the Story storehouse, and a few feet southerly from 
the street, on a rise of ground, stands one of the old stone houses. 
It was the old homestead of Nicholas Bogardus. At the date of 



lUSTOKY OF KINGSTON. 437 

our review it was owned and occupied by Peter E. Ilasbrouck as a 
dwelling and bakery. 

5. On the northeast corner, made by tlie intersection of the 
Bridge Road with North Front Street, where the tan:iery now is, 
was the apple-mill and distillery of Isaac Du Bois. Going east 
across the hollow the street was then quite nari'ow — not mucli more 
than room for two teams to pass one another — the bridge over the 
mill-brook was crossed, and the site of the old colonial mill on the 
left and of the mill-pf)nd on the right was passed. 

6. After i)assing those points in Xt)rth Front Street, eastward, 
the first building reached was the frame building occupied by 
Gilbert Cooper as a dwelling and tobacco factory, on the south side 
of the street, where the large brick hotel now stands. The old 
brewery — or a section of it — of colonial and Revolutionary fame 
formed a part of that tol)acco factory. 

7. On the southwest corner of North Front and Green streets 
stood one of the old stone houses, a two-story double house, in 
Revolutionary times the liomestead of Johannis Sleght. At the 
date of our review it was owned by Rachel Bogardus and occupied 
by tenants. About that time it was occupied by William Brink as 
a store and dwelling. 

Directly opposite this house " Frog Alley" entered North Front 
Street. That was then the road to the "riff "or fording place. 
Prior to the building of the bridge across Esopus Creek in 
1790, it was the only direct avenue to the district of country on the 
north side of Esopus Creek. 

8. On the west corner of Frog Alley and North P"'ront Street 
stood a small frame shop which, as indicated by the sign painted 
over the window, had been occupied by Peter E. Osterhoudt, a 
watchmaker. 

9. A short distance up Frog Alley, on the east side, stands one 
of the old stone houses. In colonial and Revolutionary tiines it 
was one of the Bogardus homesteads. At the date of our review 
it was occupied by tenants — about that time by Henry Darling, a 
stone-cutter. 

10. At the southeast corner of Green and North Front streets 
stands one of the old stone houses, the homestead of Anrhony 
Hoffman. It is still owned and occupied by some of his descend- 
ants, and at the date of our review was in the possession of Abnv 
ham Hoffman, the son of Anthony. 

11. Opposite the Hoffman house is a large, two-story double 
stone house. It was the liomestead of Joseph Gasherie, who was 
the first surrogate of Ulster County, and held the office for a num- 
ber of years. At the date of our review the building was owned 
and occupied by Edward 0"Neil. 



438 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



12. A short distance to the east, and on the same side of the 
street, stands a large, two-story double stone house ; it was the 
homestead of Abraham B. Bancker, and was built in the early part 
of the century, after the great fire in 1804, npon the site of the 
building tlien burned. Mr. Bancker was clerk of the State Senate 
continuously from 1784 to 1802. At the date of our review the 
building was owned by George W. Bancker, of Rhinebeck, and 
occupied by John Chami:)lin, district attorney, until his death in 
November of that year. 

18. Next east, on the north side of the street, is the two-story 
brick-front double house built by Isaac Du Bois and John Hume in 
1818 and 1819. It was built upon the site of the old stone house 
in which Cornelius Elmendorf, with the cognomen of " Old Nabor,'''' 
kept public house in the early days of this Republic. 




THE DEWAAL HOUSE. 



14. On the south side of North Front Street, and opposite the 
Bancker house, stands the " Dewaal house," so named from having 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 439 

been owned and occupied l)y AVilliani Dewaal as a public house for 
many years. The house was burned down in the great fire of 1804, 
durinc: the occn]>ancy of ^[r. Dewaal, and inimediatcly afterward 
rebuilt as it now appears. Durinji; Mr. Dewaal' s occupancy it was 
kept as a public house, and the old house, as well as the new one, 
contained the favorite dancing iiall. Th(^ new one was ]iarticulai'ly 
celebrated on account of its beautiful spring floor. ]\Ir. Dewaal died 
in 1820, honored and respected by all who knew him. His widow sur- 
vived him. and continued there for some years and until her deatii. 

l!). The next building on the south side of tlie strcnit, and a little 
east of the Dewaal liouse, was a frame building, which in 1810, and 
for some time afterward, was occupied by Conrad K. Elmendorf 
and Derick Du Bois as a store. In 1820 the publii^ation of the 
Orq/'fsind/i, a newspaper, the special organ of the Hon. John 
Sudani, was started in that building by Benjamin G. Johnson, as 
publisher. It was so continued there for a few years, when its 
printing and i)ublishing office was removed to AVall Street, in the 
frame building then standing next north of the burying-groiind. 
Aftei' that the Iniilding was occupied for many years by James and 
Daiuel L. Wells as a calnnetmaker's shop. 

1(5. On the north side of North Front Street, and a short dis- 
tance east of the Du Bois and Hume house, stands a frame building, 
the main part of which was standing in 1820 and occupied by Joim 
Hume as a store. It was alsf) used for many years by Jacobus 
Ilardenbergh as county treasurer, John Hume being liis deputy. 

17. Tlie next building on the north side of Nortli Front, and 
facing Crown Street, is one of the old stone houses of Revolutionary 
flate. It was tlie homestead of Anthony Freer. In 1820 it was 
occupied by John S. Van Steenbergh. At that time he had a 
watchmaking and jewellers' shop in an annex at the east end. A 
l)art of the main building was then occupied by a Mrs. Cop|iin as 
a millinery store. 

18. On the southeast corner of North Front and Crown streets 
was a large, two-story double stone dwelling-honse, with a gambrel 
roof frontirig on Crown Street. In 1820 it was occujiied by Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Jacobus S. Bruyn. It was built a few years after 
the Revolution upon the site of the building burned down in the 
great fire of 1770, Colonel Bruyn was a captain in the New York 
line of infantry in 1775, and joined the Northern army under com- 
mand of General Schuyler. He was present at the capture of St. 
Johns and Cliambly. He pi'oci^eded witli the army under (Jeueral 
Montgomery to Canada. He was with General Afontgoiiiery in las 
assault upon Quebec, and near that officer when he feU. Upon his 
return to New York he was appointed lieutenant-colonel in the Con- 
tinental line, and was stationed at Fort Montgomery. He was there 



440 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

when the fort was stormed and taken by the British. He was taken 
prisoner at that time, and brought to New York and confined on 
board of a prison-ship in tlie harbor. After about three years' cap- 
tivity he was exchanged, and rejoined the army. At the close of the 
war he settled in Kingston. lie was a member of Assembly in 1788, 
and immediately after a member of the Senate for one tenn. He 
died in July, 1825. 

19. On the north side of North Front Street, and a little to the 
east of the Van Steenbergh house, was a small frame building, in 
1820 occupied as shops. The two-story brick store and dwelling 
now there was built on its site. 

20. A little farther to the east, and where Military Hall now 
stands, was a double, two-story frame building, occuj^ied about 
1820 by James G. Wilson, at the west end, as a tailor shop, and at 
the east end by Lawrence Wilson, as a hatter shop. 

21. Next to that, and with only a narrow alleyway between, 
was a frame building erected for a barn or carriage-house. It was 
owned by Abraham Myer, an attorney and counsellor-at-law. He 
was surrogate in 1813 and district attorney in 1820. He occupied 
a room at the east end of the building finished off for a law office. 
The building was subsequently converted into a store, and occupied 
as such for a number of years, until torn down to make room for 
some more pretending brick structures. 

22. Immediately opposite, and on the south side of North Front 
Street, was the dwelling-house of Mr. Myer. It was a one-story 
frame building formerly owned by William Ellsworth. It was 
erected by him upon the site of his building destroyed by fire in 
the general conflagration of Kingston. The house is still vStanding. 
Mr. Myer was a man of considerable ability, and took a high stand 
in his profession as a practising lawyer. He was appointed surrogate 
in 1813. 

23. A few feet east of the Myer house, and on the same side of 
the street, stood the large, double two-story stone house of Chris- 
topher Tappen. It was one of the old stone houses rebuilt after 
the burning of Kingston. There had stood the homestead of 
Christoffel Tappen, the head of the Tappen family, who died in 
1740. He was in his day one of the prominent men of the ])lace. 
He was speaker of the Trustees of Kingston, and also President of 
the Board of Magistrates for many years and up to the time of his 
deatli. His son Christopher succeeded to the ownership of the 
place. He was a man of al)ility, and represented the county fre- 
quently in different representative bodies, botli in colonial times 
and after the organization of the State government. He was a 
meml)er of the convention which framed and adopted the first State 
constitution. lie was a brother-in-law of Governor George Clinton, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTOX. 441 

and held the office of deputy county clerk under him as chief from 
1759 to 1S12, and the office of county clerk from 1812 to 1S21. 

Governor Clinton always made his h^me in that house when 
in town, and during the sessions of the Legislature in Kingston 
there was the executive chamber. One tradition asserts that Gen- 
eral Washington loilgetl there, and not at the Bogardus house, when 
visiting the village, as before stated. The writer gives both tradi- 
tions. Of course they are not both correct : he cannot tell which is. 

24. Directly adjoining the Tappen house on the east, in 182«\ was 
a one-story frame building used and occupied as a store in 182<> by 
the firm of Peter Tappen it Co. Mr. Tappen was a son of Chris- 
topher, and the '• Co." was William G. Eltinge. The building was 
removed wh?n Widl Street was opened, and the street now covers 
its site. 

2,1. A little farther to the e;ist, on the south side of Xorth Fnint 
Street, and within a few feet of the corner of Dover Street, stood a 
one-story frame dwelling-house, in 1S2<>, owned and occupied by 
Philip Newkirk. It had, pre>ious to Mr. Xewkirk's occujKincy, 
lieen owned and occupied by Peter Tapj^n. a brother of Chris- 
topher. 

26. Opposite to the Xewkirk house, and on the north side of 
North Front Street, stood a frame buikling, which had been orig- 
inally put up for a machine-shop, but never finished :is such. In 
1816 there was organizeil therein a Sunday-school, which is reputed 
to have been the tirst institution of the kind in the place or in the 
county of Ulster. In 1820 it was used by Samuel Fowler as a black- 
smith shop and for the sale of some farming implements. It was 
subsequently finished olT and occupietl as a store by Matthew Ten 
Eyck for some yeiirs. On its site now stands a large brick building. 

27. A little farther to the east, and directly opposite and facing 
Dover Street, stood a small frame dwelling-house occupied by a 
Mr. Mills. Many of the old citizens will recollect his daughter, 
" Betsey Mills," as a faithful taUoress, visiting their houses, and 
call to mind having worn many a garment of her make. 

28. On the southeast corner of Dover and Xorth Front streets, 
in 1820, stood a bam belonging to or connected with the Tillotson 
house, next mentioned. It was subsequently converted into a store 
for Tapi^en & Eltinge. and occupietl by them for a time. The build- 
ing is still standing at the southeast corner of Xorth Front and 
Fair streets. 

20. The last and only remuining house in North Front Street 
was the hirge, two-story stone house stUl standing on the north 
side of the street and facing East Frout Street, now Clinton Avenue. 
This house was buUt in 1802 by John Tremper, a few feet to the 
east of the ruins of the house of Johaunis \\'ynkoop, burned in the 



442 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Revolxition. In 1820 it was occupied by John C. Tillotson and 
owned by Mrs. Tillotson, the daughter of Chancellor Livingston. 

30. The first building in East F'ront Street (now Clinton Avenue) 
is the frame building facing North Front Street. That building 
was put up shortly after the Revohition, and occupied as early as 
1794 by Peter Van Gaasbeek for mercantile i^urposes. After his 
death it was occupied for a time by John Treinper. In 1820, and 
for several years previous and subsequent it was occupied for the 
same purpose by Peter G. and Henry Sharp. In 1820 IMatthew 
Ten Eyck was associated with them under the firm style of Sharp, 
Ten Eyck & Co. The building was owned by James Cockburn. 
It is now converted into an aj)ai-tment house. 

31. The next building in East Front Street is the old one-story 
stone house, on the west side of the street, known as the " Senate 
House," with a history. In 1820 it was owned and occupied by 
Sarah Dumond, the widow of Peter Van Gaasbeek. She acquired 
it by will from her uncle, Abraham Van Gaasbeek. 

This house is one of the oldest in the city of Kingston. It 
was originally built by Colonel Wessel Ten Broeck in the latter 
part of the seventeenth century, supposed to be about 1076. He 
was a man of considerable prominence in his day, and the house 
when built was rather in advance of the ordinary houses of that 
time in this vicinity. At the time of the Revolution it had passed 
into the hands of Abraham Van Gaasbeek. Upon the organization 
of the State government in Kingston, in the year 1777, that house 
was selected for the meetings of the Senate of the State of New 
York, and in it the first Senate was organized, on the 10th of Sep- 
tember, 1777. and held its regular sessions until the meetings of 
the Legislature were broken up by the near approach of the enemy 
after the capture of Fort Montgomery. 0)1 the 16th of October, 1777, 
it shared the same fate as the other houses in the village, and was 
reduced to naked walls. Soon after the Revolution it was rebuilt, 
or, rather, the wood and inside work restored, as is understood, 
very much in accord with the old model. About 1794 it passed by 
will to Sarah, the wife of Peter Van Gaasbeek, a member of the 
Third United States Congress under the Constitution, who died 
shortly after the adjournment of that body. In 1820 the house 
was occTipied by the Widow Van Gaasbeek and her daughter Sarah. 
It afti^rward passed into the hands of F. E. Westbrook, and then 
to Mrs. Marius Schoonmaker, who sold it to the State in 1887. It 
has since undergone thorough repairs, to he kept and preserved Ijy 
the State as a relic and memento of the past, and especially of the 
organization of our State government. It is a low but long one- 
story house, l)uilt in front and ends with the limestone so common 
in the vicinity. The rear wall is of old Holland brick, which 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 443 

tradition reports was lu-oiiLilit across the sea for ballast. Tln^y are 
the larf^e-sized Holland brick, nine inches long, four iuclies wide, 
and two inclies thick. Tlif walls tlirou.iilioiit are solid and firm in 
every respect. A representation of the bnilding will be foniul in 
Chapter XVIII. 

(Teneral Armstronii' occnpied this house in 1S()4 for a short period 
before his dei)artnre as Minister to France, lie nio\ed here prin- 
cipally for the education of his children in Kingston Academy, and 
when he left as Minister to Fi'ance lie took Mr. Warden, the then 
principal of the academy, with liim as his .secretary. 

It was during his then residence here that the able, but ex- 
tremely l)itter ])olitical controveisy was carried on between him and 
Barent (Jardinier tlirough the village papers. 

During his residence liei'e in 1804 his father-in-law. Chancellor 
Robert U. Livingston, on Ins return froui the French court, made 
a tiiuniphal entry into this village. Tlie citizens of Kingston not 
only honored the man, but they felt grateful to him for the niuniti- 
cent gift he had given the trustees for the benefit of tlie suffering 
iidiabitants, as recorded elsewhere. When it was known that the 
chaiict'llor was coming preparations were made for a gala day in 
the \illage. A public holiday was proclaimed, and on his approach 
a jirocession was formed headed by the trustees of the corporation, 
who jaroceeded out on the Albany I'oad to meet liim. On his 
arrival he was escorted to Bogardus's Taveiii, where lie was re- 
ceived with an address of welcome, and after an ai>])i()priat(> reply 
by the chancellor and reception of the citizens, tliey sat down and 
tliscussed a great dinner. 

32. The next house on East Fnmt Street was one of the old stone 
houses Avhicli is still standing. During the Revolution it was 
the homestead of Abraham Masten, and rebuilt by him after the 
burning in 1777. It is a double two-story stone house ; it lias been 
somewhat enlarged latterly. In 1820 it was owned and occupied 
by his son Abraham, and is still in the family. 

33. Next, in 1820, stood another of the old stone houses, witli its 
gable end on East Front and facing toward John Street, but dis- 
tant from the- last-named street about seventy -five feet. It was 
owned and occupied in 1820 bj' Captain Thomas Van Gaasbeek. 

This property was in early years owned by Louis Du Bois, the 
Walloon. About the time, or just prior to the Revolution, it was 
owned by Matthew Du Bois, one of his descendants; from him it 
passed to his son-in-law, Mattliew E. Thompson, who was one of 
the victims of enlightened England's pltiUiitthropn (!) The house 
was rebuilt by him, and siibsecxuently passed into the hands of 
Thomas A'an Gaasbeek. 

Connected with tliis house in 1820, and for some years previous, 



444 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

was a frame store standing with its gable on John Street and front- 
ing East Front Street. The house and store were connected at one 
corner and so located with regard to each other as to form an L, or 
two sides of a square, upon the comer back from the streets. The 
house and store have both been torn down some years since. In 
182U the store was occupied by William Holmes as a merchant. 

34. Crossing John Street, and a short distance from the corner 
on the west side of East Front Street, is a long, two-story frame 
dwelling, now owned and occupied by Moses Mulks. In 1820 it 
was owned by the Widow Mary Grier, the north end occupied by 
her as a store and the rest as a dwelling. It was built by Mr. Grier 
in the early part of this century. 

35. A few feet farther to the south stood a blacksmith shop, 
and next to tliat one of the old stone houses, a small, one-story 
building with gable to the street. In 1820 the two were owned and 
occupied by John McLean as a dwelling and blacksmith shop. 
Within a few years all traces of them have been removed, and the 
present dwelling-house of Mr. ^lerritt stands very nearly on the 
site of the shop. In the Revolution it was the homestead of Jacob 
Turk. 

36. The next building was the house of John Beekman, one of 
the one-story old stone houses. It stood with its gable .on East 
Front and its front on Main Street. It was the original homestead 
of Cornelius Beekman, the ancestor of John. It was relmilt by 
him after the burning of Kingston. The house is still standing, 
but so raised and built over that its original form is gone. 

37. On the east side of East Front, and fronting Main Street, 
stood a large, two-story stone house, and one of the old stone 
houses. It belonged in 1820 to the estate of James Hasbrouck, 
deceased, and was, in or about 1820, occupied by his widow and 
family. It was the old homestead of Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck, 
and was rebuilt by him after the burning of Kingston. On the 
Miller map, made in 1695, a house is designated as then standing 
near that spot, with a memorandum that it was the house where 
the governor was entertained. It was purchased in 1759 by Col- 
onel Hasbrouck from Robert G. Livingston. Subsequent to 1820 
it was for many years occupied as a hotel, and until it was burned 
down a few years ago. An old Holland brick was found among its 
ruins which is still preserved. Among other marks upon it are the 
figures 1717, evidently made before burning. 

38. On the south corner of Main and East Front streets stands 
the frame storehouse which in 1820 belonged to the estate of James 
Hasbrouck, and had been occupied by him many years for mercan- 
tile purposes. It was about 1820 or shortly tliereafter occupied as 
a store by John L. Lawrence for several years. 



HISTORY OF KfXGSTOy. 445 

The preceding covers all the houses standing on East Front 
Street, north of the plains, in 1820, at which i)oint the street then 
terminated at the south. The first plains, as it was then called, 
was an open, triangular shaped, unenclosed commons, bounded 
northerly by Pearl Street and Alliany Avenue, soixtheasterly by 
Maiden Lane, and westerly by the Truman Cowles (now Sahler) 
house on Pearl Street, and the Masten (now Jackson) house on 
Afaiden Lane. A simple wagon track passed across the plains to 
Maiden Lane on the line of East Front Street extended. 

150. South of the i)laius, and on the southeasterly corner of 
Maiden Lane and East Front Street, extended, stood a one-story 
stone house called the Yosbnrgh house, originally Iniilt shortly 
after the Revolution on one of the lots purchased from the trustees 
under conti-act to build in two years, as pre%aously set forth in this 
work. It was occupied by Dr. Abram A'osburgh at the time of his 
death, about 1820. It was of late years the parsonage of the Pres- 
byterian Church, but has lately been torn down to give place to a 
more imjiosing l)rick structure. 

40. Tlie next house was a one-story frame house, standing on 
the northeast corner of East Front and St. James' streets, and front- 
ing on St. James' Street. It was the homestead of Johannis M. 
\'an Keureu, and occupied by him in 1820. It has been rebuilt, 
and its old form is no longer recognizable. 

41. On the opposite and southeast corner of St. James' and East 
Front streets stands a two-story frame dwelling fronting on St. 
James' Street, which in 1820was the lumiestead of Lucas Van Keuren. 

42. On the southeast corner of those tvvo streets stands a one- 
story frame building, now used as a store, fronting on St. James' 
Street. In 182o it was the homestead of Xehemiah Ostrander. 

4'S. A little farther south on the west side of East Front Street, 
in 1820, stood a one-story frame dwelling occupied by William 
Keator, a shoemaker, who sometimes carried his kit about with 
him to his customers' houses. 

Opposite the Keator house, on the east side of the street, \vas the 
village pound. At this point East Front Street, in 1820, terminated 
in a cul-de-sac against an old Dutch barn. 

44. The first house on Green Street, after leaving Xorth Front 
Street, is one of the old stone houses partially rel)uilt during the Kev- 
olution, when it was the homestead of one of the Elmendorf family. 
It was purchased by James Styles in 180:^, and occupied by him sis 
a dwelling and watchmakers" shop from thenceforward until after 
1820. The house is still standing on the west side of the street. 

45. A short distance farther south, and on the east side of the 
street, in 1820, stood a lai'ge, two-story double frame house. It 
was owned and occupied by George Tappen, one of the sons of 



446 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Christopher Tappen. Daniel Brodliead, Jr., an attorney-at-law, 
and tlien suirogate of the county of Ulster, a near relative of Mr. 
Taj>pen by marriage, also lived there in 1820. The house afterward 
was used as a school-house for a number of years. It has lately been 
torn down and the new school building erected in the rear of its site. 

46. On the northwest corner of Lucas' Turnpike and Green 
Street, in 1820, stood a frame storehouse belonging to Mrs. Rachel 
Beekman. It was only occasionally and temporarily occupied. 

47. Near the southwest corner of Green Street and Lucas' Turn- 
pike stands one of the old stone houses as rebuilt after the burning 
of Kingston. It was then the homestead of Egbert Dumond, who 
was the first sheriff of Ulster County under the State constitution. 
This building, together with the two-story double frame house 
built adjacent to it, and fronting on John Street, was in 1820 owned 
and occui)ied by Rachel Beekman, the widow of Tjerck Beekman, 
a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, also the mother-in-law of 
the late Judge Charles H. Ruggles and of the late Rev. Dr. Cor- 
nelius D. AVestbrook. 

48. On the northeast corner of Green and John streets stands a 
large, two-story double frame house fronting on John Street. In 
1820 it was the homestead of Dr. Lid^e Kiersted, in his prime the 
leading physician of the place. He died about 1820. 

49. On the opposite corner, fronting on Green Street, stands one 
of the old stone houses. In 1820 it was owned and occupied by 
Abraham G. Van Keuren. In the Revolution it was the homestead 
of Gerrit Van Keuren his father. It was burned down in 1776 in a 
large lire noticed elsewhere, and rebuilt. 

50. Nearly opposite, and on the west side of Green Street, stands 
another of the old stone houses. In 1820 it was the homestead of 
Jonathan Hasbrouck. He was a county judge in 1798. It was 
buined down at a large hre noted elsewhere in 1770, and at that 
time was owned by Colonel Abraham Hasbrouck, and was rebuilt 
after the burning of Kingston. 

51. The large, two-story stone building standing at the junction 
of Green and Crown streets was for many years the homestead of 
John Tappen, a lawyer, and the editor and i^roprietor of the Ulster 
Ph'heiaii., a leading Democratic newspaper from 1813 until his 
death. The printing and i)ublishing office of the paper was upon 
the second floor on the west side of the building, to which access 
was had by an outside stairway. He also had a book and stationery 
store for a time in the lower front coiner room on (itreen Street. It 
was the homestead of Henry Sleght in the Revolution and at the 
burning of Kingston. 

52. Nearly opposite to the Tajipen house, and on the west side 
of Green Street, is a large, double, two-story stone dwelling-house. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 447 

It was built by Judge Lucas Elmendorf a little after 1790, and 
from thenceforward until the time of liis death, at a ripe old age, 
it was occupied by him as his homestead. He was for many years 
a i)roininent representative man in the county. In 1798, when 
quite young in years, he was elected a rej)resentative to the United 
States Congress, and at a time when it was an honor and a distinc- 
tion to be a member of that body, and was re-elected the two 
succeeding terms. IFe was lirst judge of the county of Ulster from 
1815 to li<'2l, and surrogate from 18:r> to 1840. He sacrificed a for- 
tune in unavailing efforts to procure a business thoroughfare from 
Kingston to the interior and southern tier of counties of the State, 
as noticed elsewhere. 

Directly on the north end of the stone mansion is an annex still 
standing. In 1820 the i)ost-ofiice was kei>t in the south room of 
the annex, while at the north end was the cabiuetuiaker shop of 
James Wells. 

53. Next on the same side of the street, and nearly op]iosite 
JIain Street, is the large two-story stone double house built by 
Jacob Tremper ; from him it descended to his daughter Catharine, 
who was the second wife of Conrad E. Elmendorf. In 1820 it 
belonged to her estate and was occui)ied by a tenant. 

54. Direc'tly opposite, and on the northeast corner of Green and 
Main streets, stood one of the old stone houses. It was burned 
and rebuilt in the Revolution. It was the homestead of Dr. Peter 
Vanderlyn in the early part of this century. lu 1820 it was occu- 
pied by Christopher Tappen, Jr. (son of the elder Christopher men- 
tioned above). He was a lawyer, and had his law office in the 
frame addition on Main Street. He was a good lawyei" and an esti- 
mable man and citizen. 

55. On the ojiposite corner of Green and Main streets stands 
another of tiie old stone houses burned and relmilt in the Hevolu- 
tion. It was one of the old Delamater homesteads. In 1820 it 
was occujjied by David Delamater, a descendant of the family. 

50. On the west side of Green directly oi)posite Main Street 
stood the village market. In 1820 it was unoccui)ied, and with the 
lot on which it stood used only as a playground for the boys. 

57. Passing toward the south, ne.xt stood one of the old stone 
houses. It is a large two-story double stone house, the former 
homestead of Judge Dirck Wynkoop. He was a member of the 
State Convention for action upon the proposed United States Con- 
stitution and county judge from 178:5 to 1793. The house was 
burned and rebuilt in the devolution. In 1820 it was occupied by 
two of his maiden daughters, .\riantje Wynlvoop and Mai'garet 
Wynkoop. It is said that General Washington and staff were en- 
tertained at dinner in this house in 1782, upon the occasion of their 



448 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

passing tliroiigli the place. In 1820 a part of this house was occu- 
pied by Mrs. Walworth, an English lady, who kept there a select 
school for young ladies. Her husband had charge of the English 
department in the academy. 

At the south end of this house, in 1820. the wagon track de- 
scended diagonally down the hill to the bridge across the brook, 
to avoid the then very steep descent from the head of Pearl Street. 
That steep descent was then the favorite coasting place for the boys 
in winter. 

58. At the northeast corner of Green and Pearl streets, in 1820, 
stood one of the old Revolutionary stone houses, which was occupied 
by Katrine Jansen, an aged lady and a descendant of one of the old 
settlei's. It has since been removed. 

69. On the opposite or southeast corner, in 1820, stood a two- 
story frame building, the homestead of William Marius Groen, 
occupied by his two daughters, Hillitje Marius Groen and Catharine 
Marius Groen, wife of Benjamin Welch. It has recently been torn 
down. 

60. On the west side of Green Street, nearly opposite, but a little 
more southerly, stands one of the old stone Revolutionary build- 
ings, the homestead of Thomas Beekman, occupied in 1820 by his 
son, Cornelius Beekman. 

(31. On the same side, but a little farther to the south, stood 
another of these old stone buildings of Revolutionary date, the 
homestead of Peter Wynkooji, occujiied in 1820 by his descendants, 
Martin and Abraham Wynkoop. The north end was occupied by 
James H. Styles as a boot and shoe shop in 1820. 

62. On the northeast corner of Maiden Lane and Green Street is 
a two-story stone house, one of the old houses burned and rebuilt 
in the Revolution. It was the homestead of John McLean, the 
elder, and in 1820 occupied by his widow, Mary McLean. 

63. On the opposite corner stands another of the old stone 
houses. It was the homestead of Tobias Van Buren, and in 1820 
was owned and occupied by his son, Cornelius Van Buren. 

64. On the west side of Green Street opposite the Van Buren 
homestead stood one of those old stone houses of Revolutionary 
date. It was the homestead of Jacob Marias Gi'oen, Sr., and in 
1820 Avas occupied by Jacob Marius Groen, his oldest son. It had 
a small annex at the north end for a saddler shop, but in 1820 or 
shortly afterward it was used as a s(^hool-room. 

65. The next and last house in the street was the double two- 
story stone house standing at the head of St. James' Street. It was 
built by Tobias Van Buren. After 1813 it was occupied by Major 
J. V. W. Huyck until his death, which occurred about 1820. Major 
Huyck was an army officer in the War of 1812, and for some time 



HISTORY or KINGSTON. 449 

was at the head of the recruiting office in this place. After Major 
Huyck it was occupied by William Iioughtelin.<i-. 

00. Returning to North Fi-ont ami passing tlown Crown Street 
beyond the Bruyn house, which has been already noticed, a frame 
building, gable end to the street, was situated and occupied in 1820 
by Messrs. IJuggles & Ilasbrouck as a law office. Each one of 
those gentlemen rose to distinction in subsequent years. The 
senior i>arfiu'i', Chailes II. liuggles, after pi-actising law until 1830, 
and acipiiring much distinction as a lawyer, was early in 1831 
created (-ircuit judge ; and after the revision of the Constitution in 
1840 was elevated to the bench of the Court of Aiijteals. 'Pliere, as 
well as at the circuit, he stood second to none as a jurist and a just 
and (liscriniiunting judge. The junior partner, A. Bruyn Has- 
brouck, coutinuetl to practise his jtrofession until 1840, having in 
1834 formed a copartnership with the writer. ^Ir. Hasbrouck was 
a good, sound lawyer, and possessed every qualification necessary 
to take a prominent staiul in his juofession. His tastes, however, 
were of a litei'ary tendency, which led to his appointment as presi- 
dent of Rutgers College in 1840. That position he occupied with 
distinction for a number of years, when he resigned, and after that 
led a retired life, passing awa}% at a very advanced age, to another 
and a better home. 

()7. The next building stood nearly opposite on the west side of 
the street. It was a two-story frame doulile house with a shingle 
front, and was owned and occupied by Seth Couch, the soutli part 
as a dwelling and the north part as a store. 

08. The next house on the same side is a two-story stone double 
house, which ha<l, a few years ])revi()us to 1820, been erected upon 
the site of a Revolutionary luin. The homestead of Abraham Low 
was burned in the lire of 1770, and only the rear or kitchen part 
rebuilt until Heiijamin Ostrander erected the two-story house in 
front of and adjoining the rear part previously restored. After the 
com])letion of the building he opened it as a hotel under the desig- 
nation of the •' Kingston Colfee House," and it was so kept by him 
until after 1820. 

()i). Directly opposite stands the Kingston Hotel, which in 1820 
consisted of the stone part, one of the old stone houses, and was 
occupied by Levi Jansen as a hotel. He had been sheriff of Ulster 
County from 1807 to 1811. 

A story is told of the landlor'ls of the last two houses named. 
It was a matter of i)riuciple with each of them never to drink at 
his own bar, and there was a travelling sixpence which made fre- 
quent journeys across the street from one side to the other, as 
either the one or the other of the landlords might desire to allay 
his thirst, always at his neighbor's, never at his own counter. 
29 



450 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

70. Next on the same side is the stone house standing at the 
northeast corner of John and Crown streets. It is one of the old 
stone houses which was burned and rebuilt in the Revolution. It 
was the homestead of Frantz P. Roggen, and in 1820 was occupied 
by his descendants, Dr. John Roggen and his sisters. 

71 was a small two-story frame building, occupied about 1820 
by one Brennan for a dwelling and school-room, and soon there- 
after by Herman M. Romeyn as a dwelling and law office. 

72. On the northwest corner of John and Crown streets stands 
a large two-story doul)le stone house, which occupies the site of 
the old homestead of Matthew Jansen. The j^resent building was 
erected after the Revolution, and was occupied by his descendants 
in 1820, John C. Jansen and Katie Jansen. 

7'S. On the southwest corner of John and Crown streets stands 
the old academy building, about in the form it was originally built. 
For a short time there was no classical school in t\ie academy ; this 
occurred in 1820. An English gentleman, Mr. Walworth, had then 
charge of the English department ; his wife at the same time taught 
the young ladies in the Wynkoop house, as previously mentioned. 
A full description of the academy is given in the historical sketch 
of that institution, to be found in another part of this work. The 
janitor, Cornelius Elmendorf, familiarly knoAvn as "Academy 
Case," occuj^ied some rooms on the first floor at the south end on 
Crown Street. 

74. On the other, the southeast corner of the street, stands an- 
other of the old stone houses of Revolutionary date. It was the 
homestead of Matthew Persen ; he had kept a public house there for 
a number of years. In 1820 it was occupied by Dr. John Goodwin, 
and in the wing on John Street he kept a drug store and grocery. 

75. Passing down Crown Street, the next building is a frame 
building of two stories standing on the site of one of the old De Witt 
homesteads. It was occupied in 1820 by one of the descendants, a 
maiden lady, Elizabeth De Witt. 

76. On the east side of Crown Street, opposite the Tappen house 
before noticed, stands one of the old stone houses, occiipied in 1820 
by Cornelius Tappen, another son of Christopher Tappen. On the 
north side and within a few feet of the house stood the village hay- 
scales, the beam projecting over the sidewalk, with chains sus- 
l^ended to pass under the wagon and raise it up. It was, in fact, a 
large steelyard. 

77. Nearly adjoining the last house on the east until recently 
stood another of the old stone houses, owned and occupied in 1820 
by Henry Eltinge. A room at the south end was occupied by 
Samuel S. Freer as the printing and publishing office of the Ulster 
Gazette, the organ of the Federal Party. 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON'. 451 

This completes the description of tin' buildings in Cro^v^l Street. 
Willi Street is the next street east of Crow n. In 1820 its north- 
ern terniinns was John Street. 

78. On tlie westerly corner of W;ill and John streets in 1820 
stood one of the old stone houses of Kingston, a large two-story 
double house, with a kitchen extension in the rear along John 
Street. It was then o\vnt>d and occupied hy James ('ockhiuii. 
In colonial times it was the homestead of John Crook, a distin- 
guished Kingston lawyer. After the Hcvolutioii it was occu- 
])ied for .some years hy John Addison, a distinguished member of 
the bar and settled in Kingston. He was the tirst principal of 
Kingston Academy, and gave it at once a high and commanding 
re})utation. lie was the first i)resident of the Board of 'J'rustees 
after its incorporation. This house was also, in the early part of 
this century, for sevej'al years the home of P>aient fiardinier, a dis- 
tinguished lawyer, who represented this district in the Congress of 
the United States for two successive terms, from 1807 to 1811. It 
is said that John T?andolph, of Iloanoke, at that time pronounced 
him the most eloquent man he had ever heard in Congress. He 
was a Federalist, and is the man who had the bitter and severe 
newspaper controversy with John .Vnnstrong, referred to in a pre- 
vious part of this book. 

79. Directly opposite the last-named house, and on the easterly 
corner of Wall and John streets, stood another of the old stone 
houses, owned and occupied in 1820 by Peter Marius Groen and 
his daughter, Cornelia Schoonmaker, the mother of the writer. At 
the burning of Kingston it was the homestead of the widow Cor- 
nelia Low, whose daughter Catharine married Mr. Marius Groen. 

Peter Marius (Troen was appointed and served as suiTogate of 
the county of Ulster in 1810. He was the speaker (presiding officer) 
of " Tlie Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town 
of Kingston" (^tiiereto elected annually) from ITiKi to 181.") inclusive, 
except only the year 1804. He was one of the trustees of Kingston 
Academy from its incorporation until his death in 1821^. 

Cornelia Schoonmaker was the widow of Zecliariah Schoon- 
maker, the youngest son of Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, whose name 
frequently app(\irs in previous parts of this history. 

80. In 1820 the next building was a small brick Iniilding, put 
up by Peter Marius Groen for his son-in-law, Zecliariah Schoon- 
maker, who o('cn])ied it as a law office until his death in 1818. 
A\'ithiu the menuny of the writer one of the rooms was occupied 
for an office of discount and deposit, as a branch of Isaac McKean's 
'' Exchange Bank," of Poughkeepsie. David H. Burr was the 
branch cashier or clerk. One of the writer's earliest recollections 
is feeling quite independent with a silver sixpenny piece, and going 



452 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

to the bank with an air of great importance to deposit it with Mr. 
Burr. 

81. The next building on the opposite or west side of the street 
is the County Court House, same as it was in 1820, and occupying 
the same site as the one which was burned in the Revolution. The 
Constitutional Convention sat in tlie Court Hoiise in 1777, and 
there acted upon and adopted the Constitution as reported by the 
(!ommittee. The Constitution was read and officially promulgated 
at the front door. 

82. Opposite the Court House on the east side of the street was 
a small one-story frame liuilding, occupied about 1820 by Mrs. 
Carman for a dwelling and infant school. 

83. Next to the last-mentioned building, and only four or five 
feet distant, stood one of the old stone houses. It was occupied 
in 1820 by Abraham I. Delamater as a dwelling, and he utilized a 
long frame building standing a little south of it and extending to 
the burying-ground as a hat manufactory and sale shop. The 
stone house in the Revolution was owned and occupied by Ben- 
jamin Low, and after being l)urned in 1777 was rebuilt. 

The l)arn, which escaped the flames in the Revolution, was then 
still standing, a short distance in the rear of the shop, along the 
burying-ground fence. 

84. On the west side of the street, and next soivfch of the Court 
House, stood one of the old stone houses. In the Revolution it 
was the homestead of Johannis Freer. In 1820 it was owned by 
William S. Masten, and occupied by Simeon Mullen as a hotel. It 
had a frame addition on the south. It was afterward enlarged 
Avith frame additions several times, and occupied as a hotel by 
different landlords under the name of the Ulster County House. 
It was burned down a numlter of years ago, and the Argots and 
Leader offices now occupy its site. 

In 1820 a room in the hotel was occupied by John N. Mizener, 
a barber, who moved in from some other locality. Being a new- 
comer, his presence was not agreeable to the old citizen who had 
theretofore, for a time at least, enjoyed a monopoly in the exercise 
of the tonsorial art, and who had therefore given vent to his dis- 
satisfaction in a poetical effusion to be found at paragraph 112 of 
this chapter. Mr. Mullen's poet replied as follows : 

" Blest is the Barber's lot ; witli dexterous grace 
He wields the razor and shaves tliiu the face ; 
To others' jaws the razor doth apply, 
To gain the food that may liis own supply." 

85. The Reformed Dutch Church in 1820 stood at the northeast 
corner of Main and Wall streets. A description of the church has 
been given in another chapter. 



HISTORY OF KINGfiTON. . 4.53 

8(5. On tlio northwest corner of Miiin uml Wall streets stands a 
two-story frame (lonl)l(» liouse. It was at that time owned and 
occupied by John Si^dam. The house was built soine years pre- 
vious to that date by Mr. Sudani a few feet easterlj^ of the old 
stone house burned down in the Kevolution, which was then the 
homestead of Elias Hasbrouck, who was an officer in the Kevolu- 
tion, was witli Montgoiiiery in the Canadian cam]iai,un, and ])artici- 
pated creditably in other conipaigns and battles during the war. 

John Sudani was in 18^0. and had been for a number of years, 
one of the leading and most successful members of tlie l)ar of this 
county. He also took a vciy active interest in ])olitics, and his 
reputation as a lawyer and a politician was not confined to this 
locality. 

In 1823 he was elected to the State Senate, and was one of the 
so-called " immoi'tal Seventeen"' seuatoi's who defeati^d the electoral 
bill, which was desiguetl to give the clioice of electors for President 
and Vice-President to the people instead of their being appointed 
by the Legislature, as the law then stood. 

He was again elected to the Senate in 1833. He died at Albany 
before the expiration of his terni, in 1835. 

87. Directly opposite and on the southwest corner stands one 
of the old stone liouses, now converted into a store. It was owned 
by Dr. C. Elmendorf in the Revolution. In later years it was 
owned and occupied by John C. Wynkoop, a lawyer, and subse- 
quently by William Kadcliff. Tn 1820 it was occupied by his 
widow, Hannah Kach'lilf. 

88. On the southeast corner of Main and Wall streets stood one 
of the old stone houses, the Dutch Chuirli parsonage, a two-story 
doul)le house. It was subsequently torn down when the congre- 
gation built the brick church on that corner. 

At the southerly end of the parsonage lot and on the corner of 
Wall and Pearl streets stood a small fiame l)uilding, just large 
enough to house one of the hand fire-engines of the village. The 
l)ublic officials of that day <lid not furiush their firemcMi with lux- 
urious club-rooms, althougli they required them to turn out and 
practice once a month, so as to become, to some extent at least, 
skilled in th^ir duty. 

89. On the southeast corner of Wall ami Pearl .streets stands 
one of the old stone houses, owned and occupied in 1820 by Tennis 
Swart. It was burned and rcl)uilt in the Kevolutif)n. 

90. The next building was one of the old stone houses, standing 
on the northeast corner of Wall Street and ^faiden Lane. In 1820 
it was owned and occu])ied by Joshua'Du Bois, the court crier for 
many years. 

91. On the opposite or southeast corner stood another of the old 



454 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

stone houses in 1820, owned and occupied by an old lady, Grietje 
Duniond. 

In that building, and in the third decade of this century, was 
published during its brief existence the People s Advocate, hj 
Samuel S. Freer and Peter K. Allen. 

92. On the southwest corner stood one of the old stone houses, 
since torn down to be replaced by a small frame two-story dwelling. 
It was occupied by Nicholas Yanderlyn in 1820. 

93. Passing on we find one of the old stone houses at the north- 
east coi'uer of Wall and St. James' streets. In 1820 it was owned 
and occupied by Charles Du Bois. 

94. On the northwest corner of Wall and St. James' streets stood 
an old frame building, recently torn down, owned and occupied in 
1820 by Conrad Crook. 

95. Opposite on the southwest corner stood an old frame build- 
ing occupied by Katie Hermance. 

9G. On the southeast corner stood the Hamilton homestead, 
occuijied in 1820 by Benjamin Heiinance, who married the widow. 

97. The first building on Wall Street south of St. James' Street 
is one of the old stone houses. It was the homestead of Jacobus 
Masten, and was owned and occupied by him in 1820. 

98. The next building, only a few feet farther south, is also one 
of the old stone liouses. It was the homestead of Matthias Van 
Steenbergh. In 1820 he died in the occupancy of the building, 
and after his death it was occupied by his daughter Maritje. 

99. The next buildings on Wall Street were the house and black- 
smith shop of Martin Elmendorf, on the south corner of Big Vly 
Lane — owned and occui)ied l)y him in 1820. 

100. On the east side of Wall Street, and nearly opposite the 
Big Vly Lane, stood one of the old stone buildings, occupied in 
1820, and for many years previous, as a public house, and known 
as the Black Horse Tavern ; so named from having a sign swinging 
and creaking in front on whicli was pniuted a lilack horse. 

101. The last and only remaining building in the street is the 
old stone house, still standing, and which was the only house not 
burned by tlie British. In the Revolution it was the ta^'ern and 
homestead of Tobias Van Steenbergh, Jr., and in 1820 was owned 
and occupied by one of his sons, Abraham T. Van Steenbergh. 

102. Taking up Fair Street, and commencing at its northern 
terminus, at Main Street, on the west corner is the two-story brick 
building which in 1820 was owned and occupied by Mrs. Mary 
Tupper. In earlier years it had been the home of Williaiu Cop]i, 
who was printer of the Farmers'' llegister, a paper pultlished in 
Kingston in 1792. He was afterward associated with Samuel Freer 
in the publication of the Itlsing i^tar, also printed before 1800. 



HI9T0KT OF KINGSTON. 455 

103. The next building was the district school-house, standing 
on the west side of the street and al>ont midway in the block. It 
was a one-story frame building, with gable to the street, the lower 
part divided in two ro^ms. The front room was occupied by Dirck 
Van Steenbergh, tlie village gunsnnth, and the rear room was the 
one in which William 11. Dederick, the district scliool-teacher, held 
nndisi)nted sway for many subsequent years. He succeeded Solo- 
mon Ilasbrouck, who wielded the bii-ch rod in that locality for 
nearly twoscore years before the advent of Mr. Dederick. 

104. The next building, and stantling on the nortliwest corner 
of Fair and Pearl streets, is the large double two-story stone house, 
which in 1820 was owned and occupied by Severyn Briiyn. At 
that tiiiiH and until the failure of the bank, in 1820, Mr. Bruyn 
was the cashier of the Kingston branch of the Middle District Bank 
of Poiighkeepsie. The lower room in the noi'theast corner of the 
house was occupied as the banking room. 

105. On the opposite and southwest comer is one of the old 
stone houses, now the ])arsoiiage of the Fair Sti'cet Keformed 
Dutch Church. It was owned and occupied in 1S20 by Peter New- 
kirk. Since that date, although not torn down, it has been re- 
modelled and its appearance very much changed. 

100. In 1820 the next house in the street was one of the old 
stone houses, standing on the northwest corner of Fair Street and 
Maiden Lane, fronting on Maiden Lane, with a frame addition 
extending along Fair Street. In 1820 it was owned by John 
Bogardus and occupied as a hotel bj' H. Tucker. It has since 
been torn down by James W. Baldwin, the subsequent owner, to 
give place to the imposing structure now occupying its site. 

The old house had a history. In colonial times, during the 
Revolution, and for many years thereafter, under the catering of 
Evert Bogardus, it was one of the leading public honses in the 
jilace. It was, of course, burned in the Revolution, but speedily 
rebuilt. Tradition and history of late years have erroneously 
designated it as the ])lace where the Constitutional Convention met 
and the Constitution was adopted. On the contrary, the ollicial 
records of the convention clearly sliow that the convention met, 
that the Constitution was rei)oi-ted. discussed, adopted, and pro- 
mulgated at the Court House. The Bogardus house was. however, 
the place where the first Assembly of the State of New York met, 
organized, and transacted its business in 1777, until scattered by 
the advance of the British. The Supreme Court having possession 
of the court-room, the Assembly organized and met at Bogardus' s. 

After th(^ two great political parties were organized it was the 
headquarters of the Federal Party. The trustees of the corporation 
of Kingston for many successive years, before and after the Revo- 



456 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

lution, held their regular meetings at that house. There also the 
commencement dinners given annually by the trustees of the acad- 
emy were discussed. 

107. On the southwest corner of the street stands a large two- 
story double stone house which was built by Edward Eltinge in 
1807. In 1830 it was owned by Mrs. Lyburn, the mother-in-law of 
Mr. Eltinge. It was afterward purchased by A. Bruyn Hasbrouck 
and occupied by him until 18-10, when he removed to New Bruns- 
wick to assume the charge of Rutgers College as its president. 

In Revolutionary and colonial times the house upon that site 
was the homestead of Colonel Johannes Snyder, who entered the 
service of his country when the war for freedom conmienced, and 
stood by it with honor and distinction until its close. 

108. On the southeast corner of said streets stands one of the 
old stone houses, which in the time of the Revolution was occupied 
as a tavern by Conrad Elmendorf, familiarly known as Topper 
Conrad. That was for many years after tlie Revolution the Re- 
publican or Anti-Federal headquarters, and that corner has been 
the scene of many a personal encounter, resulting in black eyes 
and bloody noses, during the excited political contests in the early 
days of the republic. In 1820, or about that time, it was occupied 
by the widow and family of the Rev. Peter Low, deceased, who 
had served ably and acceptably a long pastorate in a Dutch Re- 
formed Church on Long Island. 

It was subsequently purchased by Madame Hardy, the mother- 
in-law of Judge John Van Buren, and occupied by him until his 
death. 

That house was in 1820 the only house standing on the east side 
of Fair Street. 

It will now be necessary to jiass through the several cross streets 
in order to mention the intermediate houses therein, the corner 
houses having been already designated. 

109. Commencing in John at Green Street, the first building on 
the south side in 1820 was the stone blacksmith shop belonging to 
Abraham (i. Van Keuren, standing a few feet east of the stone 
house on the corner. It was occupied as a blacksmith shop in 1820 
by J. H. & J. W. Baldwin. 

110. The next intemiediate house was one of the old stone 
houses, standing on the north side of the street some distance east 
of Crown Street, where the Van Etten law office now stands. It 
belonged to the Persen family in the Revolution, and was in 1820, 
and for many years previous, owned by Sarah Persen. In 1820 it 
was occupied by Jacob Masten, one of the constables of the town 
of Kingston. 

111. In 1820 the ruin of the large and splendid homestead of 



HISTOKY Ol' KINGSTON. 



457 



Nicholas Vanderlyn stootl witli its broad front facing Wall Street, 
at its then northern terminus, a monument of lieaitless, wanton 
Britisli cruelty. Tlie ruins indicated that the liouse had l)een an 
exi)ensive, large, stone two-story building of the first class, with 
ganil)rel roof. According to the writer's recollection, it measured 
in front along the street at least from forty-live to fifty feet, with 
an appro) iiiate depth. Such was the character of the masonry that 
in 1820, and until torn down in 1827, the rear and end walls were 
standing i)erfect and fiiin. The front wall had been torn down and 
the cellar thereby jtartially iilled. When the ruins were liiially 
removed for the opening of Wall Street, they exhibited wonderful 





solidity and strength ; the mortar was nearlj' equal to the stones 
in firmness and strength. 

After the desti'uction in 1777, Mr. Vanderlyn, not having the 
ability to rebuild, simply ie])aiied the rear projection or annex, 
and afterward built a frame addition on John Street, against the 
east wall of the ruin, connecting it with the building in the rear. 
This building was, until about 1820, occu])ied l)y Nicholas \'an- 
derlyn, one of the old gentleman's sons, using the west end of the 
addition in front as a paint shop. After Mr. "\'anderlyn moved 
out it was occupied by Covill & Patten, the paint sho]) being turned 
into a bookstore and bindery. 



458 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

The Vanderlyns were truly a family of painters. The elder 
Nicholas and his sons, Nicholas and John, followed that occupa- 
tion, and they all not only exhibited a liking, but a talent ; and 
the same talent followed into the succeeding generation. 

In a room within those stately walls, before the vandal's torch 
had laid tliem bai'e, and on the l.^th day of October, 1775, the cele- 
brated artist, John ^"anderlyn, first saw the light of day. That 
was his birtliplace, and it does not seem proper for the local his- 
torian to pass it by without making an appropriate record of his 
triumphs and his genius. 

" John Vanderlyn very early exhibited a decided taste and talent 
for drawing. After receiving an academical education in Kingston 
Academy, he went to New York and entered a store in the employ 
of Thomas Barrow, at that time an importer of fine engravings. 
While in Mr. Barrow's emjiloy, during his leisure hours he attended 
the drawing-school of Archiiiald Robertson. He spent a short 
time in the studio of the eminent painter, Gilbert Stuart. While 
there he made copies of Stuart's portraits of Colonel Burr and 
Egbert Benson, which were very much admired by those who saw 
them. Their existence and superior character soon came to the 
knowledge of Colonel Bun-. But, in the mean time, Vanderlyn liad 
left Stuart's on account of his poverty and inability to support 
himself there. Bnrr then wrote to a friend of his, Peter Van Gaas- 
beek, a resident of Kingston and member of Congress, a letter, of 
which the following is a coj)y : 

" Philad. 21 June 1795 

" My dear Sir : I understand that a young Mr Vanderlyn, 
who lived a short time with Stuart the Painter, left him for want 
of means of suitable supi)ort. You must persuade him to allow 
me to remove that objection. If he was personally acquainted with 
me, he would, I am confident, accept this proposal without hesita- 
tion. I commit to you then, to overcome any delicacy which he 
may feel on this head. I shall never imagine that I have conferred 
on him the slightest obligation, but shall be infinitely tiattered by 
an opportunity of rescuing genius from obscurity. He may draw 
on J B Provost New York, for any sum which may be necessary 
for his outlit, and on his arrival in this city, where Mr Stuart 
now lives, he will tind a letter from me, addressed to him (Mr 
A'anderlyn) pointing out tlie channel of his future supplies, the 
source of whicli never will be known except to himself. I acknowl- 
edge that I would not have communicated this even to you, if I 
liad known how otlierwise to get at Mr V. D. L. I beg you to 
consider it as coutidential. This arrangement is intended to con- 
tinue as long as it may be necessarj', for Mr V D L to cultivate his 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 459 

genius, to the highest point of perfection. From tlie inquiries I 
have made, concerning liini, I liave been led to believe that his 
cliai-acter and talents are sucli, as may do honor to himself his 
friends and his country. 

" Yonr aff'ct Servt 

" A BuKit 
"P. Van GaasbeekJ'^ 

This letter was found among some iiapcrs which came into the 
hands of Peter Marius (Jroen, the grandlallitT ui the writer of this 
history, as administrator of the said Peter Van Gaasbeek. 

After tliis, and in the s]uiug following, Vanderlyu visited Xew 
Yolk, and reci'ived at liis lodgings a note witliout signatuie direct- 
ing him to call in the morning at a certain office in Church Street 
at a si)ecitied hour. Tie did call, and found the ])lace to be Colonel 
Burr's oflice. He found .J. Bartow Provost, the stepson of Colonel 
Burr, there. On being shown the note, Mr. Provost recognized 
Cohmel Burr's handwriting, and he directed Mr. N'andciiyn to 
Colonel Burrs house. 

The result of the interview with Colonel Burr at the house w^as 
that Mr. A'anderlyn spent some months witli Mr. (iill)ert Stuart to 
enjoy the benelit of his tuition in order to i)repa)'e him for the full 
advantages of the European schools. While tliere he made copies 
of several paintings, among them one of Mr. Stuart's Washington, 
whicli is now owned by a son of the \\Titer. He also before going 
to Eurt)pe jiaintcd for his patron a portrait of his idolized Thcodosia 
Burr, which was until recently in the possession of Mr. Vanderlyn's 
niece in Kingston, and now graces the walls of some gentleman's 
l)arlor in ]S'ew York City. 

In the fall of 1796, under the patronage of Colonel l>mi-. he 
went to Paris and availed himself of the benefit of its schools, 
wliich were tluMi in very high rei^ute. He remained four years, 
prosecuting his studies with great ardor and marlied success. 

In ISOl he returned to tlie United States, and tlie next year 
visited ^>"iagara and made sketches of that great cataract, one giv- 
ing a view of the entire falls, including Goat Island, the other giv- 
ing the western or main branch only. The next year he went to 
England, and had those views handsomely engraved. From thence 
he went, with his friend and fellow -artist, Washington Alston, to 
Paris. Tliere, in 1808, he painted his first historical sketch, the 
murder of Jane McCrea. In ISDo he went to liome, and there 
Xiainted his great masterpiece, Marius on the ruins of Cartilage. 
In a letter to a friend, .Tose])h C. Cabel, of Warrenton, ^'a., dated 
Paris, February, 1808, he alludes to the picture as being in cour.se 
of transportiition to Paris, and thus speaivs of it : "It is the only 



/ 



460 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

picture, of any consequence, I painted in Rome or elsewhere, size 
is about 5 by 7 feet, and represents C Marius on the ruins of 
Carthage, a single figure, surrounded by riiins, for which those in 
Rome are capable of giving me hints. I was a good deal flattered 
with the applause and approbation it met with in Rome, which ex- 
ceeded my expectations, no small consolation to a poor artist, as 
needy in fame as in finances." Aft6r its arrival in Paris he placed 
it on exhibition in the Louvre, and for it he was awarded the first 
gold medal by Napoleon, while hanging there in competition with 
the works of artists from all other countries. 

He remained in Europe until 1816, during which interval he 
painted his Ariadne, a figure of marvellous beauty, of which the 
following description appeared in September, 1822, in the Charles- 
town Courier : " No man of taste and sensibility, no student of 
love and beauty, no connoisseur of graceful form should fail to 
gladden his eyes, to charm his fancy, and refresh his imagination 
with the exquisite performance of Mr. Vanderlyn, where the sleep- 
ing and unconscious Ariadne is sweetly reclining. Her dark raven 
locks entwined within her arms — the flush of health, like the 
dawn of day, upon her cheek — her crimson lips hiding her teeth of 
pearl — the fine mould of her features and of her form — the pure 
white of her skin — are all subjects of eager attraction and awaken- 
ing interest." He also during that time executed a number of fine 
copies from old artists. The troublous times in Europe were not 
favorable to the success of the arts, so that he barely supported 
himself by portrait painting during that time. In 1816 he returned 
to America, and here he painted his panorama of the Garden of 
Versailles, from sketclies made by himself while in Paris. He pro- 
cured the lease of a lot from the Common Council of New York 
City, in the northeast corner of the City Hall Park, on which to 
erect a building for the exhibition of his paintings and panoramas. 
The erection of the building involved him in great pecuniaiy em- 
barrassment, froui which he had not recovered when his lease ex- 
pired. The Common Council refused to renew, and after that he 
spent much time in fruitless efl'orts to obtain renumeration from 
the city for his building, and was forced to submit to cruel injus- 
tice at their hands. In reference to such treatment by the Common 
Council he thus wrote to a friend in his native place : " After many 
years- of untiring effort to retrieve the Rotunda, by relieving it 
from tlie debt ^vhicli remained unpaid, to be ultimately dispossessed 
of it, at a time wlien friends had come forward to aid me in liqui- 
dating such debts, or securing the payment of them, to the satisfac- 
tion of tlie creditors, and with such a. fair prospect of relieving the 
institution, and seeing it again in active and successful operation, 
one may judge of the pain and mortification, which I felt, when 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 401 

ordered to quit the premises by an act of the corporation in 1829. 
The sense of wrong and injustice done me on this occasion was 
ahnost too much to l)e borne, and would liave driven many a uiind 
to distraction and madness ; and altliougli I have boi'ne up against 
it, nevertheless, it has inflicted upon my feelings and interests, an 
iiTe])arable injury, sufticnent to l)i-(>;dv (h)wn any generous spirit.'' 
He never recovered from that unkind l)lo\v ; it soured his spirits 
for life. Mr. Vanderlyn painted a numl)er of portraits which hnng 
in the City Ilall in New York — a full-length })ortrait of (General 
Jackson, one of President Monroe, :ind also one of (lovernoi- Vates, 
for which he received $500 each. He painted Washington's por- 
trait for the h:dl of the House of Representatives. For that an 
ap])ropriation of SlOOO li;id been made, l)nt when it was exliii)ited 
in the Capitol, such were found to be its merits that the House, 
ininiedi;itely :ind un;ininiously, voted ^^r. Vanderlyn an additional 
compensation t)f §1500. 

In 1839 he was commissioned to till one of tlie ]ianels of the 
Eotunda in the national Capitol. He chose the landing of Colum- 
bus, and left the same year for I'aris. There he reniaineil seven 
years working upon his picture, and returned in 1847. Through 
the unfaithfulness of an agent he lost nearly one fourth of the 
comi)ensation he was to i-eceive for that great work fi'om Congress. 
Thus was he again the victim of injustice and wrong. Thereafter 
until his death he earned a scanty support by portraiture, and died 
in poveity. 

Dtiiing the spring and summer of 18.">2 he was in Washington 
endeavoi'ing to procure the passage of a law authorizing him to 
erect a building on some of the public grounds near the Capitol for 
a gallery of the line arts and ex]iil)ition of paintings. In that he 
was entirely unsuccessful. During his stay there he made copies 
of some old ]>aintings, aiuhilso ]iainted a few ]iortraits ; and during 
that time at Washington he jiainted portraits of the writer and 
Mrs. Schoonmaker. 

After the adjournment of Congress he I'eturned to Kingsti.n. 
Shortly thereafter, and in the afternoon of the '2'.kl of Septemliei', 
lHi'r2. he called at the house of the writer in Kingston and si)ent a 
cou])le of hours in social ccmverse with him and his family. The 
next morning he was summoned from his breakfast-table by a 
messenger with the tidings of Mr. Vanderlyn' s death. He had 
just been found in his room at the liotel lying in bed a corpse, 
with his hands raised and in position, as if holding the brush in 
the very act of transferring to canvas one of the fine artistic touches 
of his jjencil. 

The village corporation assumed tlie direction and expense of 
his burial. By request an eloquent tiibute to his memory was pro- 



462 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

nounced by the Rev. Dr. Cornelius D. Westbrook to a large, 
crowded audience in the largest church In tlie place, after which 
his body was interred in " the Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery." There 
his remains are mouldering to dust without a monument to mark 
their resting-place. That neglect certainly cannot reflect the rever- 
ence of the citizens of Kingston for native genius and talent. 

Vanderlyn's masterpiece, Marius on the ruins of Carthage, 
together with the gold medal, were disposed of by him to a friend, 
Leonard Kip, of New York, during his pecuniary embarrass- 
ments, and he was never able to redeem them. Upon the death of 
Mr. Kip they passed into the possession of his son, the Rev. 
William I. Kip, who was afterward elected Bishop of California, 
and he carried the picture with him to the Paciflc slope. He has 
since sold the same, but it is understood that he declines to state 
where or to whom, so that the writer is unable to state where it 
now is. His letter of inquiry on the subject remains unanswered. 

112. The east end of the annex to the \'anderlyn ruins was 
occupied as a barber shop. In that place Henry Columbus, a 
colored knight of the razor, had held undisputed sway for many 
years with no competition to trouble him. After he had paid the 
debt of nature, Peter Kiefer, a native of the village, took his place ; 
but his experience was not so smooth and easy, as appears from 
the plaintive song contained in his advertisement : 

" Hard, hard may be a Barber's lot 
When Interlopers eome, 
But persevering Industry 
Will always overcome." 
(For the answer of tlie interloping Barber, see No. 84.) 

113. The next building stood on the same side of the street a 
few feet to the eastward, a low, narrow frame building with gable to 
the street. It is understood to have been built only for temporary 
occupancy while the next-mentioned stone house was being rebuilt 
after the fire. In 1820 it was occupied by William S. Burhans, a 
farmer, as tenant. 

114. On the west corner of John and Dove streets was one of 
the old stone houses, the old homestead of Oke Sudam, father of 
John Sudam. It is still standing. It was in 1820 owned and 
occupied by Wilhelmus Tremper. 

115. Directly east on the opposite corner of Dove (usually 
called " Dover Straatje") and John streets stood a long, one-story 
frame buikling, the Chipp homestead. In 1820 it was owned and 
occupied by James Chipp, the west end as a dwelling, the east end 
as a carpenter shop. 

116. Dove Street then was a very narrow street (and for that 
reason called Dover straatje), extending from this point in John 



I 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTON. 463 

Street to North Front Street. Tliere was one buildinn; in the 
street; that was a small iVanic house standin.'i' alioiit niidwayon 
tlie east side, ocniiiied for mauy years bj' John Duniond, after- 
ward by William Shaw. 

117. Next to and adjoiiiim;: the Chipji house on the cast was and 
is still standing one of the old stone houses. In 1S'20 it had been 
owned and occupied for many years by Jacob Eaman. There was 
a fiauic addition on the east end vised by him as a saddle and 
liarnessuiaker shop. 

118. The only buildinf;- in 1820 on the south side of John Street, 
except the corner liouses and blacksmitli shop already mentioned, 
was the old stone house still standing, but altered with a brick 
front, nearly op])osite the Eaman house. It was the homestead of 
Henry J. Sleght, and at the date above mentioned was owned and 
occupied by Henry Chip]). 

IIU. Passing over to Main Street and commencing at (treen 
beyond the corner house already mentioned, stood and still stands 
one of the old stone buildings, owned and occupied in IS'iO by 
Jacol)us Elmendorf. 

120. Nearly opposite on the south side of the street stood one 
of the old stouf^ houses, which had been the dwelling of John ^'an 
Steenbergh, the elder, and subsec^uently and in 1820 was occupied 
by his son, Peter Van Steenbergh, a watchmaker. His shop was 
in a small frame addition at the east end. It has been of late 
altered and a brick front given by D. E. Brodhead, its then owner. 
In Revolutionary times it was the property of Tobias Swart. 

121. Passing to the east, the hrst house beyond the parsonage 
was a two-story frame double liouse, occupied in 1820 by Conrad 
C. Elmendorf, Jr., a tailor, commonly known as " Crepler Coon." 
It was afterward occupied by the widow of James Hasbrouck, and 
subsecpiently torn down to make room for the new parsonage of 
the First Dutch Church. At the burning of Kingston the place 
was the homestead of Johannis Van Keuren. 

122. Next, and about midway to Fair Street, stood a small 
frame building, gable to the street, occupied by Samuel Elmendorf, 
a i)ainter. 

12;3. On the north side of the street, nearly opposite the last- 
named house, was one of the old stone houses, occupying a square 
lot apparently carved out of the southeast corner of the burying- 
ground. It was a small stone house, and at the time of the Revo- 
lution was the homestead of Jacobus Low. In 1820 it was occupied 
by Mrs. AVeller as a dwelling and millinery. 

124. A few feet east of the last-named building was one of the 
old stone houses. In the Revolution it was the homestead of 
Petrus Bogardiis, and afterward occupied by Johannis Low. In 



464 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

1820 it was owned and occupied by Joliu Cliipp, who subsequently 
tore it down and put up a frame two-story double house in its 
stead. That is also now removed. 

12o. Next east, and only four or five feet distant, stood what 
was known as the " Molly Elmendorf ruin ;'' and there it stood, 
walls firm and solid, by no means " crumbling," until about 1836, 
when it was torn down at the opening of Fair Street through to 
North Front Street. It had evidently, before it was burned by the 
British, been an uncommonly large and commodious two-story 
stone building. It was not rebuilt ; there had been only a few 
rooms finished in the kitchen jiart in the rear. They were occupied 
in 1820 by Bela Brewer, a stone-cutter. 

126. Next east stands one of the old stone houses, which in the 
early part of the century was occupied by Major Bezeng, who had 
been a Hessian officer in the British army in the Kevolution. He 
remained in this country, and after peace married a Miss Lawrence, 
from Long Island, and moving here he occupied that house for a 
number of years. Sul)sequently it was occupied by Mr. Severyn 
Bruyn, and in it was kept for several years the office of discount 
and deposit of the branch of the Middle District Bank. It from 
that circumstance acquired the name of the " Bank Honse." Mr. 
Bruyn continued there until his removal to the corner of Pearl and 
Fair streets. About 1820 it was occupied by Hon. A. Bruyn Has- 
brouck, who remained there nntil his remo\al to the Eltinge house, 
corner of Fair Street and Maiden Lane. After that it was occupied 
a short time by a man by the name of Williamson, who proved to 
be an English fugitive from justice. When the officers came after 
him, upon the principle that " his house was his castle," he held 
himself locked up, and kept the officers at bay for some time, but 
was iinally forced to surrender, and was carried off'. 

In that building also, in the year 182(5, was commenced the pub- 
lication of the Ulster Sentinel by the Hon. Charles G. De Witt. 
During his editorship it was one of the most ably conducted papers 
ever published in the county. He was a man of mu(>h talent and 
a ready writer. He was a son of Charles De Witt, so frequently 
mentioned duiing the Revoluticmary period. He was a member of 
Congress in 1829, and was sent by General Jackson on a mission to 
Central America. 

127. A short distance farther east, and on the south side of the 
street, stands a frame dwelling. It was originally built some years 
prior to 1820 by Andrew Story as a store. It was afterward con- 
verted by him into a dwelling, and occupied for several years as a 
residence by Christopher N. Kiersted prior to his removal to New 
York. 

128. In Pearl Street, commencing at Green, the first house 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 465 

reached not already noticed is one of the old stone houses, situated 
about one hundred feet east of Wall Street. It is a small one-story 
ston(> buildiun- witli a frame addition at the east end. In 1820 it 
was owiR'd and occupied by Etlward Green, the west jjart as a 
dwelling, the east end, or frame part, as a shoe shop. In colonial 
times it was the hoiuesteiid of Thomas Houuhtelini;^. 

120. The next l)uildiny in the street not already noticed was a 
one-story frame building situated on the north side of the street a 
short distance east of Fair Street. It was in 1820 owned and occu- 
pied by Thomas G. \'an Steenbergh. 

IHO. A little farther to the east on the o])posite side of the 
street is one of the old stone houses. It was owned and occujiied 
in 1820 bj^ Truman (Jowles. In that building Jesse 15u(d com- 
menced the publication of the Plebeian in 1802, and continued its 
publication there until his removal to Albany and the establish- 
ment by him of the Albany Aryiis in 1813. The building is now 
owned by the Sahler family. 

131. Passing to Maiden Lane and Green Street, the first build- 
ing to the east not already noticed was one of the old stone houses. 
It is still standing, and in 1820 w-as owned and occu|)ied by Solo- 
mon Ilasbrouck. in the Kevolution it was the homestead of Dr. 
Thomas Jones. 

132. Passing to the eastward, the next building not already 
noticed which was standing in 1820 is the two-story double frame 
house standing on the west corner of iSfaiden Lane and Pine Street. 
It was owned antl occupied by John Ilitt as a dwelling-house and 
store, originally built about 1812. 

133. Neajly ojiposite, a little farther to the east, is a large two- 
story double stone house, one of the old stone houses, and in 1820 
it was owned by Justus Burr and occupied by J. & J. W. Baldwin 
for painting and cabinet and chair manufacturing. 

134. Passing to the east a short distance beyond the \'osburgh 
house, fronting the first plains, stood two small frame buildings, the 
one occupied by Philip Duniond and the other by AbrahaTu Post. 

135. A little farther to the eastward, and what was in 1820 the 
corner of Maiden Lane and the second plains, stood the fi-ame 
store-house and dwelling of Philip Van Keui'en, the dwelling part 
of which is still standing. (By error on map marked 133.) 

136. On the souliieast corner of Maiden Lane and Pine Street 
stood the small frame dwelling of James Fairbanks, with his black- 
smith shoj) standing a few feet farther eastward. 

137. Ileturning to Green Street at its junction with St. James' 
Street, there was a small frame building on the south side of St. 
James' Street and dire<!tly fronting Green Street, occupied by a 
tenant. It belonged to the Du Bois tannery property. 

30 



466 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

138. Passing eastward beyond Wall Street, a short distance 
beyond the Hamilton house, stood two small frame buildings on 
the south side of the street. One was the Benjamin Sawyer home- 
stead, and the other was occupied by a tenant. 

139. Xext was a small stone house standing on the south side 
of the sti-eet and directly in front of the then terminus of I'air 
Street. It Avas one of the old stone houses and the homestead of 
Benjamin Elmendorf. In 18'2() it belonged to the Isaac De Witt 
estate, and was occupied by a weaver named Sleght. 

140. The next building on the same side was a one-story frame 
house, owned and occupied by Henry Houghteling. It stands on 
the southwest corner of Pine Street. 

141. On the opposite and southeast corner of Pine and St. 
James' streets stands one of the old stone houses, gable on St. 
James' and fronting on Pine Street. It was the old homestead of 
Teunis I. Houghteling, and was occupied by him in 1820 with a 
frame wagon-maker" s shop at the south end thereof on Pine Street. 

At this place Pine Street terminated in 1820, about two hundred 
and fifty feet south of St. James' Street, in a cvl-de-sac, A>ith 
the colored burying-ground on the west side thereof, in the rear of 
the Henry Houghteling property. 

142. On the northeast corner of St. James' and Pine streets stood 
a small house, claimed and occupied by Robert Johnston, a printer. 

143. On the south side of St. James' Street, a short distance to 
the east of the Teunis Houghteling house, stands one of the old 

-stone buildings, and is the old Van Keui'en homestead, and in 1820 
was occupied by the widow of Matthias ^"an Keuren. 

144. Passing on to the east beyond Clinton Avenue, a short dis- 
tance from the Johannis M. Van Keuren house, stood an old frame 
building, the homestead of John Hermance. 

145. A little farther east stood a small frame building, the 
homestead of Jeremiah Plass. It is still standing. 

146-147. Farther to the east, on the south side of the street, was 
another cul-de-sac extending southerly about two hundred feet. 
Within the cul-de-sac and on the west side thereof stood the resi- 
dence and blacksmith shop of Adijah Dewey. The residence is 
still standing. It was at that point that Prospect Street was 
opened, and extended at a subsequent period. 

148. On the north side of St. James' Street, nearly opposite the 
(ml-de-sac Prospect Street, stands a two-stoi'y double stone house. 
In 1820 and i)reviously it was the homestead of Henry V. Hasten. 

149. On the easterly corner of the cul-de sac and St. James' 
Street stands a one- story frame house, for a number of years the 
homestead of a part of the Thomas Van (laasbeek family. 

150. East of the last house and on the corner of Union Avenue 



I 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 467 

stood three frame buildings compactly built, the one on the corner 
owned and occui)ied by John ("liollett for a dwelling, store, and 
bal*ry. Next toward the west- was the dwelling of one Marsh, 
and next to that the dwelling of Gan-et Krom. 

The two last-named houses stood fronting the open, unenclosed 
commons, called and known as the second plains. This plains was 
bounded on the northeast by what is now known as Albany 
Avenue, on the west by the Philip A'an Keui-en store, standing at 
the end of Maiden Lane, and the Masten house in St. James' Street, 
and the fence extending in a direct line fnmi one to the other ; on 
the south by St. James' Street, and southeast by the fence, as it 
then stood, running in a straight line from the fence on the east 
bounds of the Albany road to the Cornelius llurhans house, which 
is still standing, and thence the same course continued to the 
Strand Lane, now I'nion Avenue. St. James' Street then extended 
nortlierly across the commcms to the Albany road by a simple 
wagon traclv, and so did the Strand road to the Philip Van Keuren 
store. 

1;")1. A little to the west and on the opposite side of the first 
plains in 1820 stood the homestead of Peter Dumond. It is still 
standing. At that time there was no other house standing on the 
north side of either the lirst or second plains. In that house, 
beneath its lai-ge cellar or basement window, stood a weaver's 
loom, upon which most, if not all, the rag carpets then in uni- 
versal use in the village were woven. Erroneously marked on 
mai) 13G. 

W2. The l^ui'hans house aliove mentioned was a one-story frame ' 
house, and is still standing. In 1820, and for many years prior and 
subsequent, it was the homestead of Cornelius Burhans. 

l.");i Passing from the Burhans house northward, at or about 
the ]K)int where the Burhans fence struck the Albany road, stood a 
small frame house, the homestead of Matthew Van Keuren. 

154. Passing up the Albany road a short distance, there is 
standing on the west side thereof a large two-story doidile stone 
house, l)uilt by Jacob Ten liroeck in 18o;3, and occupied by him 
as his homestead until his death. 

I'm. Beyoin.1 the Jacob Ten Broeck house, standing some dis- y^ 
tance west of the Albany road, was an old stone house, occupied 
in the Revolution by Mr. Lefferts, a Tory. It was spared from the 
conflagration. In 1820 it was owned by Leonard Kip, of New 
York, and occupietl by Geoi'ge Ingraham and his sisters. 

156-157. Passing again to Green Street at the junction of Pearl 
Street, and going toward the west, at the bottom of the hill stood 
an old tannery not in use. A little farther on the left side of the 
road stood and still sfcmds an old stone liouse, in 1820, and thence- 



468 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

forward until his death the homestead of the old school-teacher, 
William H. Dederick. 

158. A short distance farther on, at the left-hand side of the 
road, stood and still stands an old stone house, the homestead of 
Johannis Masten. It was in 1820 occupied by his two unmarried 
children, John and Eliza. 

159. Returning toward the village on the north side of the road, 
but a short distance therefrom, and nearly in range of the Dederick 
house, stands one of the old stone houses. It was the homestead 
of Cornelius Masten. 

Wall Street on the south end terminated in the higliway leading 
to Twaalfslvill. After leaving Kingston village the first building 
was situated on the west side of the road at the foot of the hill, 
where the brook leading from Jacob's Valley crossed the road. It 
was the dwelling-house of and occupied by Jeremiah Du Bois, and 
there was a small carding machine situated on the brook upon the 
opposite side of the road. Next a little farther on was reached the 
Pine mill-pond, at the foot of which, on the right-hand side of the 
road, was the grist-mill of James Pine, on the opposite side of the 
road a small building connected with the mill, and a short distance 
farther down the Pine dwelling-house. A very little farther on 
was reached the De Witt mill-pond ; at the foot of that was the 
De Witt grist-mill, and directly on the opposite side of the load a 
small one-story stone house, the residence of the De Witt family. 
At the junction of the Twaalfskill with the Rondout, standing 
directly by the creek, was a frame house called the Ricketson 
house. A few hundred feet farther up the creek the road termi- 
nated at a scow ferry across the creek kei)t by John Hamilton, his 
house standing on the bank above. That is all there was of Twaalfs- 
kill (now called Wilbur) at that time. 

100. Taking the Strand road, wliat is now called Union Avenue, 
and passing over it to what is now called Rondout, then called by 
some the Strand, by some Kingston Landing. The lirst building, 
after leaving St. James' Street, was a two-story untinished doable 
frame house, with cellar under the whole. The roof was on and 
building sided up and window-frames in ; some of the iioor tim- 
bers were in, but in other respects it was entirely .unfinished. It 
had the appearance of having stood so for a number of years, and 
was called " Ketchum's folly." 

161. Next was a small single one-story building, still standing, 
occupied by a man by the name of Thomijson, a shoemaker, as a 
dwelling and shop. 

162. Next, a short distance farther down, was a similar build- 
ing, still standing, occupied by William Van Buren. There was a 
blacksmith shop standing near. After that there was no building 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 469 

on the riirlit-hand side until you came to the Margaret Smedes 
house, which was just beyond the O'Reilly house. On the left- 
hand side there was but one house between St. James' Street and 
Margaret Smeiles. That was the one-story building whieli stood 
near where the West Shore Road now crosses Union Avenue. It 
was foi-merly owTied and occupied by some of the ScheiJmoes 
family. 

After lea\ iiig Margaret Sraedes's there were only thi'ee small 
frame buildings on the right side of the road and none on the left 
before reaching the forks of the road. At the forks of the road 
was the house which still stands there. It then had an addition 
ruiiiiiiig towaid the Strand road. It was occu])ied by a man by 
the name of Kendall, and he had up a tavern sign. Tlien, pa.ssing 
on toward the Strand, on the right-hand side at the top of tlie last 
hill was a small frame house occupied by Peter A'an Gaasbeek, Jr. 
After ])assing that house there was no other until the foot of the 
hill was reached ; there, adjoining the road on the right, was the 
dwelling of William Swart ; on the left was a large two-story frame 
house called the Jewel house ; at the foot of the road on the dock 
was a heavy stone storehouse of William Swart. A short distance 
below on the dock stood a dwelling-house occupied by a man by 
the name of Wood, gable to the street ; next came the two store- 
houses of Abraham llasbrouck. 

The dock projected a few feet beyond the lower storehouse, and 
next to that was the landing on the fiat of the scow fei'ry from 
Esopus, across the creek. 

The house of Mr-. Abraham Hasbrouck, the proprietor of the 
ficight line and the owner of the lands f)n the east of the i-oad to 
Kingston, stood up from the dock about opposite to his store- 
liouses, and on a line with the Jewel house. Farther in llic rear 
and on a back road stood his farmdiouse and his tlouring ndll. 
That is all there was then of the Strand or Kingston Landing. 

There was not any road along the shore down the stream, but 
the road passed to the east over a nairow dug way al)out midway 
u]) the nu)untain to Ponckhockie. There existed a small dilapi- 
dated dock, witli a red unoccupied storehouse fast going to ruin. 
On the hill was the homestead of William Trem]ier (usually styled 
" the Citizen"). That was a two-story doid)le stonehou.se, which 
is still standing, having of late years been thoroughly repaired and 
enlarged by ^Ir. George North. 

At the place where the Rondout road, through Ponckhockie, 
struck the Kingston road to Cohnnbus Point, and on the north side 
of the road, stood a one-story old stone house, the old homestead 
of IMoses Yeomans, then, in 1820, owned and occupied l)y Wil- 
helmus llasbrouck. 



470 niSTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

Thence proceeding eastward toward Columbus Point, and de- 
scending the steep clay hill, there could be seen a short distance to 
the north of the road a small red cottage behind a row of tall pop- 
lars. There old " Toontje" and his wife reigned supreme. There 
it was that they manufactured the molasses candy witli which they 
gladdened the hearts of the children, once or twice a week, at the 
rate of a penny a stick. The candy was always noted for its invit- 
ingly delicate yellow hue. That was obtained by skilfully stretch- 
ing it across the thumb-latch of their door, and occasionally during 
the process anointing the palms of their hands in the usual way, 
to hold fast. After reaching the bottom of the hill, and thence 
traversing the pole road laid across the swamp, to reach the rocky 
bluff, there were only to be found some seven or eight stone houses, 
at least one half of them lanoccupied and falling in ruins, besides 
two dilapidated frame storehouses unoccupied on the dock. That 
is all there was at that time of Columbus Point, and the imaginary 
castles which beamed out in the fancy of Moses Cantine and his 
purchasing friends, when examining the map made of that rocky 
bluff and level marsh by Christopher Tappen in 1796 for Mr. Can- 
tine, dividing it up into avenues, streets, squares, and corner lots, 
and the beach into water lots reaching to the channel of the river. 
Although founded on rocks, tlie airy castles had crumbled and 
dwindled, as if their foundation had been nothing but sand. 

The dock formed a jjassable landing place for the steamers pass- 
ing up and down the river, by small boats sent ashore and drawn 
in by tow-lines. It also furnished a landing place for the ferry- 
boat running to and from Rhinebeck. Until about that time the 
ferry-boat in use was a periagua. In November, 1819, the Ulster 
Plebeian contained the following editorial relating to the ferry : 

" A horse team boat, between Poughkeej^sie and the opposite 
shore in New Paltz, is now daily in successful operation ; similar 
institutions, have been established between New Burgh and Fish- 
kill, and Hudson and Athens. It only remains for us to lament, 
that a like boat was not also instituted between Rhinebeck and 
Cantine" s Dock." 

At Eddyville, the head of navigation upon the Rondout Creek, 
a portion of the water-power was utilized in driving the machinery 
of a cotton factory then standing just below the falls, now in ruins 
In addition there were in the vicinity three or four convenient build- 
ings for the accommodation of the proprietor and his operators. 
A few hundred feet below the falls, and at the head of navigation, 
was a dock on ^^'hich was located a large stoi'ehouse. 

Tliere was no road at that time down the stream from Eddyville 
on the shore of the creek, and the only road to Kingston was 
directly across the mountain, striking the Greenkill road at the 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 471 

southerly ond of the Bhick fai'in, between two and three miles 
from llic tlicu vilhifi-e. 

Sucli is a tnitlifiil account of the condition of Kingston at the 
time at wliicli Ihis history closes. Tlic great and woiidci'ful 
changes which have taken place since that time in the character 
and condition of llic place can only be fully api)reciated by those 
wiio can claim familiarity with the place then and now. The men 
of to-day know the enormous trade and business now centering at 
this j)oint, \\hich almost every working day in the year, except 
during the suspension of navigation, exceed the commenaal trans- 
actions of the entire year in the second decade of this century. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

ANCESTRAL NOTES. 

IN the preparation of this chapter the writer is indebted to 
Cornelius H. Van Gaasbeek, Jr., of tliis city, for much of the 
material contained in it. It is regretted that there are omissions 
and that it is not more perfect in detail than the writer has been able 
to make it. Unable to procure access to needed records, he asked 
for information through the public press, which met with only a 
single response. 

Beekman. — The ancestor of the Beekman family was Wilhelmus 
Beekman, who was born April 28th, 1623, at Hassett, a town in 
Belgium. The names of his parents were Hendrick Beekman and 
Maria Bandartius. Wilhelmus came to this country in 1647, and 
on the 5th of September, 1649, at New York he married Catalina 
De Boog, from Amsterdam. His children were : 

Maria, who married, May 5th, 1672, Nicholas William, son of 
Governor Peter Stuyvesant. 

Hendrick married, June 5th, 1681, Johanna Lopers. 

Gerardus married, October 25th, 1677, Magdalena Abeel. 

Cornelia married, September 19th, 1674, Isaac Van Vleck. 

Johannis married, March 4th, 1685, Altje Thomas Popinga, 
daughter of Thomas Laurensen Popinga and Maritje Janse. He 
came to Kingston in 1699, and was the direct ancestor of the Kings- 
ton branch of the Beekman family. His grandson, Johannes, 
who mai'ried Lydia Van Keuren, October 20th, 1750, was tlie father 
of Tjerck Beekman, and his other grandson, Cornells, married, 
July 17th, 1757, Katrina Schoonmaker. 

Blanshan. — Matthys Blanshan, from Artois, embarked with 
his wife, Madeline Jorisen, and three children on the 27th of April, 
1660, in the ship Gilded Otter for this country. On his arrival he 
came to Esopus. He subsequently moved to Hurley and followed 
his occupation as a distiller. Of their children 

Katryn married Louis Du Bois. 

Matthys married, March 30th, 1679, Mary C. Van Schoonhoven. 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 4Ti 

Magdiileiia maniecl, Suptember 28tli, 1007, Jan Matthysen 
Jansen. 

Elizabetli inairi('(|. October 27th, 1068, Peter Cornelis Low. 

BoGAiJDUS. — ^The Bogardus family in tliis vicinity is descended 
from T)()niini(^ Kverardus Bogardns. Soon after lie came to this 
country i'l-om Holland, and in the year 1038, he became the first 
settled minister in the Dutch Cliurch at New Amsterdam. In 10:}S 
he married Anneke Janse, the widow of Roeloff Janse. They had 
four children, all sons. 

AVilleiii, who married, August 2!)th, lOoO, AVyntje Sybrends. 
After her death he married a daughter of Nicasius de Sille. 

Cornfilis married llellena Teller. 

Jonas died unmarried, and 

Peter married Wyntje Bosch, of Albany. 

Brink. ^The ancestor of the Brink family was Lambertse Huy- 
bertsen, of AYageningen, who sailed for tliis country in December, 
Wi)i), with his wife and two children ; a tliii'd was born on the pas- 
sage. The name of his wife was llemirickje Cornelis. lie after- 
ward assumed the name of Brink. His children's names were 
Huybeitse, Coiiielis, Peter, Jenneke, and Kli/.ab(>th. 

Cornelis married, April 2Sth, 1085, Marritje Egberts. 

Jenneke married Cornelis Cool, and 

Elizabeth mariied Alien Gerritsen Newkirk. 

Bkodhkad. — Captain Daniel Brodhead willi his family came 
over to this country in the English exjjedition sent out by the 
Duke of York in 1004 under the (command of Colonel NicoUs. He 
settled in Kingston, and had the command of the Englisli garrison 
at that place. 

His son, Charles Brodhead, married, November 14th, KiO:?, 
Maria, daughter of Wessel Ten Broeck. Of their children 

Daniel married Hester VVyngaard, of Albany. 

Charles married, Decfmiber 'il?d, 1725, Maria, daughter of Col- 
onel Johannes Hardenbergh and Catiina liutsen. 

Maria married, June 27th, 1724, Johannes De Witt. 

Wessel mai'ried, Januai'y 2.')tli. 17:M, Katrina, daughter of Louis 
Du Bois and Kachel Ilashrouclv. 

Another branch of the Brodhead laiuily is descended from 
Charles Brodhead, who came to this counriy about the middle of 
the eighteenth century and settled in Shawanguidv, Ulster County. 

BuUYX. — The Bruyn family is descended from Jaco]>us Briiyn, 
who emigrated to this country from Norway about the year 1000. 



474 HISTORY OF KINGSTOJNT. 

He married Gertruyde Ysselstein, of Columbia County, a lady of 
German origin, and afterward removed to Shawangunk, Ulster 
County. 

Their youngest son. Jacobus, on the 18th of November, 1704, 
married Tryntje, daughter of Jochem Hendrick Schoonmaker and 
Petronella Slecht. 

Their son, Sovereign Bruyn, born May 25th, 1726, niarried 
Catharine, daughter of Johannes Ten Broeck and Rachel Roosa. 

Their son, Jacobus S., born in 1751, was lieutenant-colonel in 
the Continental line, and resided in North Front Street, Kingston. 

BuRiiANS. — The author acknowledges his indebtedness to Sam- 
uel Burhans, Jr., of New York, for the facts comprised in the 
following notes of the Burhans family. Jacob Burhans, the an- 
cestor of this family in this country, was a soldier in the company 
of the director-general in the Netherlandish service at Esopus in 
Marcli, 1660, and also third on the list at the first organization of 
the Church in December of the same year. He lost two houses at 
the burning of Kingston in 1663, and served as schepen in 1666 of 
the court at Wiltwyck. He died about 1667. 

His son, Jan Burhans, sailed for this country in the ship Bon- 
tekoe on the 16th of April, 1663. In the year 1675 he married 
Helena Traphagen, daughter of Willem Traphagen. Of their 
children, 

Janneke married Pieter Du Bois. 

Hillitje married Edward Whitaker. 

Barent married Margariet Jans Matthyesen. 

Johannes married Margreit Leg. 

Elisabeth married Jan Hendrickse Alberts Ploeg. 

Willem man-ied Marritje Ten Eyck, and after her death Cath- 
arina Cool. 

Abraham married Annatje Osterhoudt. 

Isaac married Neeltje Westphael. 

Samuel married Jenneke Brink. 

David married Debora Van Bommel. 

Jan was a public man like his father, a soldier, magistrate, and 
member of the Church. He died before October, 1708. 

The above-named Samuel, son of Jan, was the progenitor of the 
Kingston branch. He was married on the 16th of December, 1720, 
to Jenneke Brink, daughter of Cornells Lammertse and Marritje 
?jgberts. Samuel died on the 16th of October, 1732. Of theii' 
children, 

Helena married Adam Swart. 

Annatje married Jacob Elmendorf. 

Jan married, on the 2d of December, 1749, Catharine Whitaker, 



HISTORY OV KINGSTON. 475 

(laiightor of Edward Whitaker, Jr., aud Jacoba Ilardenburgli. Of 
tlioir fliildren, 

Edward maiTied Bretje Blanrhan. 

Samuel married Margaret Jerolomoii. 

Jan married Maria Dumond. 

Jacoba married Matthew Blanclian. 

Coriielis mariied ^faria TiMi l^roeck. 

Jaimetje married I.enjamiu 'i'lirck. 

Petrus married Helena Fokint. 

(^atharine, the wife of Jan, havinu' died on the Hth of February, 
177:5, lie married Saraii A'an Alven. Of tlieir children, 

Isaac married Neeltje Hermanse, and after her death he married 
Helen A'an Arnham. 

Catharine married Peter C. Brink. 

Jan and his four sons, Edward, Samnel, Jan, ami Cornelis 
served in the State troops and Continental Army. Edwai-d and 
Samuel enlisted early and served in the Continental Army during 
the war. At the close of the war Samuel settled in 'New Jersey, 
and is the ancestor of Samuel Burhans, Jr., wlio has kindly fur- 
nished the preceding data. 

Cornelis Burhans, the above-named son of Jan, on the 16th of 
August, 1789, married Maria, daughter of Jacob Ten Broeck and 
Geertje Smedes. Their children were Elizalieth, Jacob, Jfaria, 
(.atharine M., Ann, and Edward. 

Cantine. — Moses Kantyn was the original re]iresentative of the 
Cantines in this country. lie enugrated from Bordeaux, France, 
to England, and from thence to America. 

His son, Pieter Kantyne, on the 2()th of Septendier, 1703, mar- 
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Matthys Blanshan, Jr., and Margaret 
Schoonhoven. They had thirteen children. 

Moses, the oldest, December 1st, 173!), married Maria Slecht, of 
Duchess County. 

Matthew married, December 9th, 1744, Katrine Nottingham. 

The other children were Nathaniel, Abraham, Peter, Daniel, 
Johannes, Margaret, Elizabeth, Marritje, Cornelia, and Katrina, 
besides one who died in infancy. 

Colj:. — There are two branches or Cole families in this country 
descended from different ancestors. 

Barents Jacobsen Cool resided in New York. He had a large 
fanuly of children, as shown by the bai)tisnud record in New York 
from 1G40 to 1607. 

His son, Jacob Barentsen Cool, settled at Esopus and married 
Marritje Schepmoes. They left numerous descendants. 



476 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

The other branch of the family is descended from Teunis Bar- 
tiansen Cool, who came to this country with his son in 1663 in the 
ship Spotted Cow. He died tlie following year, leaving his son an 
orphan at the age of eight years. 

This orphan, Cornells Teunisse Cool, afterward married Jan- 
neke, daughter of Lambertse Huybertse Brink and Hendrickje 
Cornelis. He lived at Hurley, became a large dealer in real estate, 
and the owner of much property. 

Crispell. — The ancestor of this family, Anthony Krypel, came 
with his wife to this country from Artois, in France. They era- 
barked in the ship Gilded Otter on the 27th of April, 1660.' His 
wife was Maria, daughter of Matthys Blanshan. He was one of 
the twelve original patentees of the New Paltz Patent, and left a 
numerous jDosterity. 

De Mtkr. — Wilhelmus De Myer resided in Kingston before 
16iS3. He had a son Nicholas, who died in the year 1769, leaving 
two sons, Benjamin and Jeremiah. Benjamin died about 1802, 
leaving two sons, John De Myer and Nicholas De Myer, and two 
daughters, Elizabeth, the wife of Martin G. Schuneman, and Polly, 
who afterward married John Souser. 

DePuy. — The ancestor in this country of the DePuy family is 
Nicolas du Pui, from Artois, France. He set sail in October, 1662, 
for this country in the ship Purmerland Church with his wife, Ca- 
trina De Voz, and three children, Nicholas, John, and Moses. 
He settled on Long Island. The sons Nicholas and John remained 
in the vicinity of New York. Moses, the youngest son, came and 
settled at Rochester, in the county of Ulster. He married Maiia, 
daughter of Cornelis Wynkoop and Maria Janse Langendyck. 
There is a tradition in reference to his marriage, that he was about 
to set sail in command of a ship, iiiid pending the loading of the 
vessel he visited Kingston and met Miss Wynkoop, fell in love at 
first sight, abandoned his contemplated voyage, and courted and 
married her. Thus was he drawn in this direction, and became 
one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Rochester, and one of the 
original trustees named in tlie grant of Queen Anne to the town of 
Rochester in 1703. 

There apY)ears to have been a wonderful intimacy and moie 
than friendly feeling existing lietween his family and that of 
Jochem Schoonmaker, as indicated by the following statement of 
marriages. Three of his sons and one of his daughters married in 
the family of Jochem Schoonmaker and Anna Hussey, as follows : 

Moses DePuy, February 14th, 1716, married Margaret Schoon- 
maker. 



niSTORT OF KIXGSTOPf. 4/< 

Benjamin Del'uy, September :}, 171'.), manied Elizabotli Scliooii- 
maker. 

Catliarine DePuy, May loih, 17:2-2, marriecl Benjamin Schoon- 
n. -iker. 

Jacobus DePuy, August 20tli, 17:2r), married Sarah ScIkjou- 
maker. 

1)k Witt. — Tjerck Claessen l)e Witt was the ancestor of tliis 
family. The first knowledge we have of liim is derived from tlie 
records of the Dutch Church in New Yt)rk City, in which his mar- 
riage is i-ecorded as iuiAiiig taken phice on the 24th of April, 1 (!.")(), 
with Barbara Andriessen, from Amsterdam, lie is described as 
coming from " Giootholdt" in " Zunderlamlt."" That place is 
supposed to be Saterlanil, a district of \V('stj>halia, on the southern 
bonier of East Friesland. They had a number of children, of 
whom his oldest s(m, 

Audries, on March 7th, 1G82, manied Jannatje Egbertsen, 
daughter of Egbert Meindertse and Jaepe Jans. He lived at 
Marbletown for some years, and afterward moved to Kingston. He 
died in 1710. 

Egbert De Witt, one of his sons, born March 18th, 1699, mai-- 
ried, November 4th, 1726, Mary Nottingham, daughter of William 
Nottingham and Margaret Rutsen. He settled at NA'awarsing and 
had a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter. 

Mary, the daughter, married General James Clinton and became 
the mother of De Witt Clinton. 

Ills son Thomas lived at Twaalfskill, and was the direct ancestor 
of a portion of the De Witt family in Kingston, and of the noted 
(!lergyman Dr. Thomas De Witt, of New York. 

Johannes De Witt, another son of Audries, born in 1701, 
married, on the 27th of June, 1724, Mary Brodhead, daughter of 
Charles Brodhead and Maria Ten Broeck. They became the 
ancestoi's of a iiortion of the De Witt family in Kingston, and their 
oldest son was the distinguished " Charles De Witt, of Greenkill." 

Du Bois. — Louis Du Bois is the ancestor of the Huguenot 
family of Du Bois. He was born October 27tli, 1626, at A\'ierer, 
in France. Driven from France by religious persecution, he sought 
refuge in Germany. While at Mannheim, in Germany, lie married, 
October 10th, 1655, Katryn, the daughter of Matthys Blanshan, 
afterward the distiller at Hurley. He came over to this country 
and settled in Est)pus about the year 1660 ; from thence he removed 
to Hurley. 

In 1667 he and his eleven associates became the patentees of 
New Paltz. He then removed with his associates and formed the 



478 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



settlement at New Paltz. After a residence of ten years in New 
Paltz he returned to Kingston. He purcliased a house on the 
northwest corner of wliat is now Clinton Avenue and John Street, 
and there spent the remaining ten years of his life. What is 
remarkable, that plot of land, after having been out of the family 
only two generations in this century, is again in the family and 
owned and occupied by his descendants. 

Louis had a large family of children, ten in number, and many 



c^-^^-^^cxv 




>;>>/(f''li 






of them have been as fruitful as he ; so that they are very numer- 
ous, and scattered about the Union in every direction^<r 

The Du Bois families in Kingston are the direct descenda"nts of 
his youngest son, Matthew, who Avas born in 1^79, and married 
Sarah Mattheysen. He had eleven children. The liftli one of 
those children was named Johannis and born in 1705. He married 
Rebecca Tappen, November 16th, 1728. His tenth child was 
Joshua, and his eleventh child Jeremiah. Those two are the an- 
cestors of the Du Bois families of Kingston. 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 479 

^ DuMOiVD. — AValran I)e La Trinilile, a Protestant residin<j; in 
Paris, had a nephew, Walran Dninont, whom lie had adojited as his 
son. On the revocation of the Edict of Kantes, in KiS."), they both 
fled to lloUand. Tliere the old gentlcniaii remained, and concluded 
to go no farther. He gave his adoi)ted son one half of the property 
he had secured on his flight, and told him he was young and must 
do the best he could. Young Duiuout went over to lOnglaud, and 
there finding a large company on tlie eve of embarking for America, 
he joined them and came over to this country and settled in Kings- 
ton. L'pon the same ship on which Dumont came to this country 
was a lady on her way here to join her husband, who had preceded 
her. l'])(>n her arrival she was distressed to find that her husband 
had onlj' a few days previous been n uncle red by the Indians, lie 
solaced and comforted her in the best and most eflfectual manner 
he could by giving her in his own person the shield and iirotection 
of a second husband. 

They became the ancestors of the Dumond family in Kingston 
and its vicinity. By reason of the inaccessibilitj' of the records 
the writer is unable to give a full genealogical record. This can 
be stated, however, that Egbei't Dumond, who was for a number 
of years, as well before as subsequent to the Revolution, sherifif of 
Ulster County, was his grandson. 

Eljiendouf.— Jacobus van Elmendorf, the ancestor of this 
family, resided in Kingston as early as 1667 ; when he came to this 
country is not known. On the 2.5th of April of that year he 
married ({rietje, daughter of Aeit Jacobsen van \\'ag()nen. Of 
their children, 

Coejiraedi nuirried at Albany, June 28th, 1693, Ariantje Gerritse 
Van den Bergh, widow of Cornelis Martensen Van Buren. After 
her death, :iii<l on November 'J.-ttli, 1704, at Kingston, he married 
Blaudina, (hiughter of Roelolf Kierstede and Ikee Roosa. 

Geertje, on the 26th of August, 1088, married Evert, son of 
Cornelis Wynkoo]) and ^faria .Tanse Langendyck. 

Anna marrietl, June 7th, K)!).'3, Matthyse, son of Juu Mutthyseu 
Jansen and Magdaleua Blanshan. 

Jacol)us married, Septend)er 22d, 1706, Antje, daughter of 
Cornelis (.Jool and Jannatje Lambert.sen. 

The Elmendorf descendants are very inimerous, and many of 
them have received prominent mention in the preceding pages of 
this history. 

Elting.— One of the Elting families is descended from Jan 
Elten, who was the son of Roeloff and Aeltje Elten, and was born 
at Switchelaer, Holland, July 29th, 1032. When he came over to 



480 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

this ooiintry cannot be stated. He first resided at Flat Bnsh, Long 
Island ; from thence he removed to Kingston. While residing 
there, and in the year 1677, he married Jacomyntje, daughter of 
Cornells Barreutseu Slecht. He afterward removed to Hurley, 
where he died, leaving five children, as follows : 

Geertje, avIio, July 6th, 1699, mairied Thomas Hall, of Marble- 
town. 

Aeltje, October 26th, 1695, married Aert Gerretse Van Wagenen. 

Roeloff, June 13th, 1703. married Sarah, daughter of Abram I)u 
Bois and Margaret Deyo, of New Paltz. 

Cornells. September 3d. 1704, married Rebecca Van Meeteren. 

William married .Tannatje Le Sueur. 

There is another branch of the Elting family whicli is descended 
from Roeloff Elting, who came from Holland and settled in Kings- 
ton. His son, Roeloff J. Elting, married Sarah, daughter of Abra- 
ham, eldest son of Louis Du Bois, the Walloon, by whom he had 
three children, Josiah, Noah, and Margaret. 

Gasherie. — Stephen Gasherie was a native of IMarinne, France. 
He came to this country, and on April 30th, 1699, he married at 
Kingston Engeltje, daughter of Hendrick Jochemsen Schoonmaker 
and Elsie Janse Breestede. He left two children, 

Judick, who married in New York, November 23d, 1723, Lucas 
Brasier. 

Jan, who married, October 13th, 1734, Mary, daughter of Joseph 
Hasbrouck and Elsie Schoonmaker. They had three children, 
Joseph, who was the first surrogate of Ulster County under the 
State government, and Abraham and Elsie. 

Hardenhergii. — One branch of the Hardenbergh family de- 
scended from Gerrit Hardenbergh, a resident of Albany, whose 
wife was Jaepje Schepmoes. Their son, Johannes Hardenbergh, 
moved to Kingston, whei'e he married Catharine, daughter of Jacob 
Rutsen and Maria Hansen. He \vas one of the original patentees of 
the Great or Hardenbergh Patent. He left several children ; one 
was Johannes and another Leonard. The descendants of this 
branch of the family are very numerous. 

There was another Johannes Hardenbergh, who came from 
Holland about 1660 and settled in Ulster County. The writer can- 
not give any particulars in regard to his descendants. 

Hasbrouck. — The Huguenot fannlies of this name descended 
from two brothers of that name, Jean and Abraham, who came to 
this country from Calais, France, on account of religious perse- 
cution. 



IIISTOUY OK KINGSTON. 481 

.Jean and his wife. Anna Doiau, settled at Esopns in 1G73. 
Tlicy had four childitMi. ^faria, Hester, P'liziiheth, and Jacob, 
.lacob, on the 14tli of Deceinl)er, 1714, married Esther Bevier. 

Abraliam did not arrive in this country until 1675. lie landed 
at Boston, and at once came over to Esoi)us, and on the 'JTtli of 
November, 1()7.-), he married Maria, daughter of Christian Doiau. 
lie and his brotliei- .lean were two of the original patentees of the 
New Paltz Patent. Abraham had five children, Rachel, .Joseph, 
Solomon, Daniel, and Benjamin. 

His sou .Joseph, on tlie :27th of October, 1700, married Elsie, 
daugiiter of .lochem Schoonmaker and Petronella 81echt. 

Their son Altraliani moved to Kingston, and was the progenitor 
of the llasbrouck families in that place. 

Hoffman. — Mai'tinus IIofTman, of Sweden, niai'iied in New 
York City, March ;{lst, Kit;:!, Lysbeth Ihiiiiiaus. She died soon 
after marriage. He then, on the ICth of .May, 16(54, in the same 
city, mairied EmmereTitje De Witt, a sister of Tjerck Claessen De 
Witt. He was a soldier at Esopus in IGjD, and afterward settled 
in Shawangunk. His son Nicholas, on the 30th of December, 1704, 
married .Tannatje, daughter of Antonie Crisjjell, one of the New 
Paltz patentees. They had live children, Martinus, born in 1706 ; 
Anthony, born in 1711 ; Zachariah, bom in 1713 ; Petru.s, born in 
1727 ; and Maria, born in 1730. 

Martinus settled in Bed Hook. He married for his first wife 
Tryntje, daughter of Robert Benson, and for his second wife Alida, 
daughter of Philip Livingston. They had a large number of 
children. 

Anthony married, January 6th, 1738, Catharine, daughter of 
Abraham (ia:isbeek Chambers. He settled in Kingston, and re- 
sided in the stone house still standing at the corner of North Front 
and Green streets, which is still in the family of his descend- 
ants. 

Zachariah marrieil , and lived in Shawangunk. His 

daughter Sally, October 28th, 17(iS, married Cornelius C. Schoon- 
maker, and his son Zachariah married Lea Newkirk, of Rosendale, 
Octol)er 2!tth. 1768, and they are the progenitors of the Hoffman 
fanuly in that vicinity. 

HoRxiucEK. — Warnaar Hornbeek, one of the early settlers of 
Ulster County, was the father of eighteen children by two wives. 
His first wife was Anna, daughter of Anthony de Hooges and Eva 
Albertse Bi-att. His second wife was Grietje Tyssen. He is the 
ancestor of the Hornbeek fanuly, and his descendants are so numer- 
ous that the writer is unable to trace them down. 
31 



482 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Jansen. — Mattliys Janse had two sons, one named Jan, who 
afterward assumed tlie name of Jansen and became tlie progenitor 
of that family. The other son, named Matthys, assumed the name 
of ^^an Keuren, and is the ancestor of that family. 

The early history of Matthys Janse is enveloped in obscurity. 
It appears tliat Director Kieft in 1646 gi-anted him lifty morgans 
of land at Harlem, but whether he ever occupied it or not is not 
known. The grant was afterward conlirmed to his heirs in 1667 
by Governor Nicolls. It is believed that he was a resident of 
Albany before removing to Kingston. His wife was INIargaret 
Hendricks, and they had tour children, one of whom was Jan 
Matthysen, who, as above stated, assumed the name of Jansen. 
He married, September 2Sth, 1667, Magdalina, daughter of INIatthys 
Blanshan, and became the ancestor of some of the Jansen families. 

Another branch of the Jansen family is descended from Hen- 
drickus Jansen, who was one of three brothers who came to this 
country at an early day. One settled in New Jersey, one in the 
town of Shawangunk, and the other, Hendrickus, settled in Kings- 
ton. On the 19th of November, 1724, he married Anneke Schoon- 
maker, and was the progenitor of one branch of the Jansen family. 
He occupied the northerly part of the Chambers Patent, and some 
of his descendants are still in possession. 

KiERSTED. — Dr. Hans Kierstede came from Magdeburg, Prus- 
sian Saxony, in 1638, with Director Kieft to New Amsterdam, and 
was the first practising physician and surgeon in that place. He 
married, June 29th, 1642, Sarah RoelofTse, daughter of Roelolf and 
Anneke Janse. They had ten children, of whom 

Hans married, February 12th, 1667, Jannatje Lookermans. 

Roelolf married Eycke, daughter of Albert Heymans Roosa and 
Wyntje Ariens. 

Blandina married, November 28th, 1674, Peter Bayard, the son 
of Samuel Bayard and Anna, the sister of Governor Stuyvesant. 

Lucas, July 18tli, 1683, married Rachel Kip. 

Catharine married, September 4th, 1681, Johannis Kip. 

Rachel, on the 16th of October, 1686, married AVilliam Teller, 
Jr., and in addition to the above there were Anna, Jochem, Jacob, 
and Jacobus. 

From thence is to be traced the Kingston branch of the Kiersted 
family. 

Louw, Lowe, and Low. — Pieter Cornellissen Louw sailed from 
Holstein February, 1659, in the ship Faith, and came to Esopus, 
and on the 27th of October, 1668, he married Elizabeth, daughter 
of Matthys Blanshan. Of their children, 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 483 

Cornells married at New Yoik. .Inly nth, 109/5, Margaret 
Borsiiin. 

Madeline married Benjaiiiiu Smedes. 

Ant je married Pliilip Viele, and 

Maria married Aiirt Xan Wagonen. 

Tlie other children's names wei'e Mattliys, Peter, Abraham, 
Jacob, and Joliannis. 

Thi'oufth the above-named sons tlie said Pieter Cornellissen 
became tlie jirogenitor of the above-named family. 

Mauius Gkoen. — About the year 1640 Peter Jacob Marius, 
with his three sisters, emici-ated to Holland from Italy. One of 
his sisters, Mayken ^Marius, married Jacob Groen, of Hoorn, in 
Holland. Peter Jacob Marins subsequently came to New Amster- 
dam, and there engaged in the mercantile business. On the l^^th 
of Novemt)ei-, U!.")."), in that city lie married Maria Pieters Beeek, 
daiighttn- of Pieter Cornelis Beeck and Antje Williams. 

He is thus referred to in " Valentine's Jlanual " of 18.58 : 

" Peter Jacob Marius may be said to be the surviving represent- 
ative of the Dutch merchants of New Amsterdam. He carried on 
business at the same ])hice and pretty much in tlie same style in 
which he had been wont to do in the i)alniy days of the Dutch city, 
fifty years before the period now spoken of. He outlived his com- 
panions in the Board of Schepens, and saw another generation of 
natives of his adopted city grow old and adopt new tastes and 
habits under the countenance of a foreign nation. Mynheer Marius 
was a magistrate of New Amsterdam for several years. At that 
time he was a merchant on the south side of Pearl Street," between 
the present Whitehall and State streets, and there he continued to 
reside and carry on business fifty years subsequently. He neither 
altered his habits of life nor the character or extent of liis busi- 
ness, but vegetated to maturity in a resi)ectable manner, unmindful 
of the changes wliich successive years exhibited on all sides around 
him. Peace be to the memory of the last of the Knickerbockers." 

He, together with Nicholas Bayard, Stephanus \an Cortlaudt. 
Anthony Brockholdst, William Nicolls, and Robert Reed, on the 
17th of January, 1C)89, had warrants of arrest issued against them 
by Jacol) Leisler for slandering his government, liayard and 
some of the others were arrested and imprisoned, but Marius 
escaped and went to Holland. After Leisler's death and under 
Sloughter's administration he returned to this country. 

He brought his sister's son, Jacob ^larius Groen, who was born 
at Haesdrecht, in Holland, to this country, and m;ide liiui his heir 
bur at what jiarticular time he brought him over cannot be stated. 
Jacob Marius Groen, on the loth of May, 1701, married Mary- 



484 HISTOKY OF KINGSTON. 

liem, danghter of Captain Sylvester Salisbury and Elizabeth Beeck. 
They had six children, three sons and three daughters. Their 
oldest son, Jacob Marius Groen, moved to Kingston and married 
Katrina Schepmoes. He was the immediate ancestor of the Kings- 
ton family. He had four sons and one daughter : 

Jacob, who married Elizabeth Van Gaasbeek and died with- 
out issue. 

William, who mamed Margaret Whitaker, and after her death 
Catharine Kiersted. He left two daughters, Catharine, who mar- 
ried Benjamin Welch, and Hillitje, who died unmarried. 

Peter, who married Catharine Low and left one daughter, 
Cornelia, who married Zachariah Schoonmaker. 

Sylvester, who was never married. 

The daugliter, Mary, married John IMcLean. 

Sylvester, the second son of the original Jacob Marius Groen, 
settled in New York upon the piece of land forming the point 
between the North and East rivers. His house stood at the corner 
of State and Pearl streets. He married Femmitje Bergen. Their 
children were Jacob, Sylvester, Elizabeth, Rachel, Mary, and 
Letitia. 

Jacob married Mary Van Riper, of Acquackanock, N. J. Their 
children were John, Jacob, Peter, Maria, and Phoebe. 

John married Catharine Cole, Jacob married Lea Bergen, Peter 
married Sarah Kingsland, Maria married Daniel Niven. 

Elizabeth, the daughter of Sylvester Marius Groen and Femmitje 
Bei'gen, married Colonel Daniel Kemper, who served as colonel in 
the Continental line in the Revolution. Their children were Syl- 
vester Kemper, Jackson Kemper, a clergyman and a leading bishop 
in the Episcopal Church and founder of a college in Wisconsin, 
and Jane, Eliza, and Sophia. 

The above-named Sylvester Marius Groen, when he entered into 
business in the city of New York, dropped the name of Marius 
Groen and adopted the name of Morris. His descendants are there- 
fore now all known by that name, and the name of Marius Groen 
has become extinct. 

Masten. — Cornells Masten took the oath of allegiance in the 
county of Ulster in September, 1689. He is understood to be the 
ancestor of the Masten families in this vicinity. The intermediate 
links the writer has been unable to collect. 

Newkirk.— " Gerrit Cornelissen van Niew-kerk, with his wife, 
boy, and sucking child," in April, 1659, sailed for this country in 
the ship Moseman. He settled at Hurley, assumed the name of 
Newkirk, and founded the numerous family of that name in this 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 485 

xiciiiity. His son, Arien Gerritsen Newkirk, luavried Elizabeth, 
dauglitei' of Laiiibertse Huybertse Brink. 

OSTERIIOUDT. — Tlic Osterhoudt family is descended fioni .Ian 
Jiinse van Osteiiioiidl. He was sometimes called " Bra banter ;" 
his wife's iinini! was Anna llendi'icks. He fii'st resided in New 
Amsterdam ; his son lleiRlrick was baptized there on the Uth of 
P"'ebrnaiy, Kwli. He afterward moved to Esopiis and founded the 
Ostcrhoiidt family. 

Pells.— The Pells fanuly find their ance.stor in Evert Pells, 

lie came to Albany in 1642. He pin'chased lands in Esopus in 

10.'")4, and within a few years thereafter settled u])ou them. He 
married Jannatje Schepnioes. 

Peksen. — Jan Hendricks Piersen, wiio came to this country as 
a soldier and was a sergeant in the Netherlandish service, married 
Anna Persen. They became the ancestors of the Persen family. 

RoosA. — Albert Heymans, from Gelderland, is registered as 
having sailed in April, 1660, in the ship the Spotted Cow, with 
his wife and eight children. His wife's name was Wyntjc Ariens. 
They settled Iti Esopus, assumed the name of Hoosa, and became 
the ancestors of the Roosa families of this vicinity. 

RoGGKN. — Petrus Franciscus Roggen was born in Switzerland 
on the 21st of ^fay, 171S ; emigrated to this country, and on the 
'id of November, ITHO, married Anna Freer, of Kingstcm. He was 
generally known and recogiuzed in Kingston by the name of Frantz 
P. Roggen. He 'died March 27th, 1804, and left one son, Peter 
Roguen, who, on the 4th day of Febiuaiy, 1776, mariied Annatje 
Masten. They left several children : 

Jacob, who removed to Oakhill, Green County. 

Maria niarrii-d Cornelius Newkirk ; they had one daughter, 
who married the late William C. More. 

Anna married Irwin Pardee ; died without issue. 

John, a physician, and Sanuud died single. 

Peter nu)ved to Alkiny. 

Catharine married ^\'illiam Holmes. Their daughter, Ann 
Elizabeth, married tlie late Jacol) llardenbergii. 

Elizabeth married Edward Cooper ; they left several children. 
Their daughtei-, Louisa, is the wife of Augustus Schoonmaker. 

SALismrijY. — In reference to this fanuly, which is of Welsh 
descent, the writer will avail himself of the information obtained 



486 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

by one of the descendants of the family direct from Wales, their 
native country. It is as follows : 

" Sylvester Salisbury (April 25th, 1883).— I had not noticed the 
further inquiry in Bye-gones respecting this gentleman until the 
other day, when T had occasion to look into my copy of the Avork 
for another purpose. The best answer I can give to this inquiry 
is, to rehearse in the first place what Lewys Dwnn says about the 
Lleweni family, and then to supplement his statement with a 
further note of my own. Dwnn, after explaining that Adam de 
Saltzburg (youngest), son of the Duke of Bavaria, had come over 
to England, and having married Joyce, daughter of Sir William 
Pompet, had by her a son, Alexander, who was father of Thomas ; 
and he of John, who died at Denbigh in the year 1520 ; then he 
proceeds to set out the succeeding descents from this John Salis- 
bury, who was thus third in descent from Adam, as follows : 

" 1. Henry Salisbury (liarri Dhu), who married Nest, daughter 
of Cynwrig Sais. 

" 2. William Salisbury (M. P. for Leominster), who married 
Margaret, daughter of Philiji Fychton. 

"3. Henry Salisbury, who married Anne, daughter of John 
Curtis. 

"4. Thomas Salisbury (Hen), who married Elizabeth, daughter 
of Jenkyn Done. 

" The last-named had four sons — viz.: Thomas (who continued 
the line at Lleweni), Henry (who founded the Llanrhaiadr branch), 
John (who founded the Bachymbyd branch), and Robert (who 
founded the Llanrwst branch). 

' ' The second son, 

" Henry Salisbury, mari'ied Margaret, daughter of Gryffyd ab 
Ehys, and had a son and successor, 

" Henry Salisbury (Goch), who married for his second wife 
Liws, daughter of Harri al) Shon, up Ur'uff ydd, and they had a son, 

" David Salisbury (always alluded to as of Llanberis), wlio 
married Marsley, daughter of Ivan Lloyd, and they had : William, 
John, Ilo))ert, Cadwalader, Simnwt, Elizabeth, and Liws. So far 
on the authority of Dwnn. Then follows what I call the tradi- 
tionary evidence which has been accepted as true by those who 
have followed the lines of Henry Salisbury Goch. 

" 'I'lie David Salisbury above mentioned, though designated as 
of Llanberis, was undoubtedly lineal male rejiresentative of the 
Llanrhaiadr branch of his family, and his eldest son, \Villiam, had 
a son Robert, who emigrated to America, who in the course of 
nature would become head of the family in this branch, lie is 
supposed to be the Robert Salsbrie referred to by Sir Thomas Salis- 
bury (the second Bart, of Lleweni) in a letter he wrote to his uncle, 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 487 

John Maynard. in wliich he says : 'I might be taxed with a rash 
act of folly should I now leave my counti-y, being tlie only hope of 
the direct line of my house, having no more a hopeful successor, 
should it please God to call for me, than Kobeit Salshrie, one 
wliose dissolute life hath made a scorn to his country.' If this 
su])i)Osition is well basf'd, this Robert would also, of course, liave 
been heir to the Lleweiii estate if Sir Tliomas had not had children 
of his own to succeed him, but not to the baronetcy ; for that was 
conferred upon Sir TTenry Salisbury very long after tlie Llanrliaiadr 
brancli had broken away from the parent stem. The fourth son of 
David, Cadwalader, married his kinswoTuan, Jane Salisbury, of 
Ll:in:uintfaid-(Tlan, Conway, and he had by her a son, Sylvester, 
who followed the sea and eventually settled in America." 

Sylvester came over to this country as captain of a portion of 
the troops, in KKM, in the English expedition under the command 
of Sir Richard NicoUs. lie resided for a time on Long Island and 
also in New York. He was also commandant of the garrison at 
Albany for sevend years. He married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Pieter Comelis Beeck and Aaltje Williams. He died in 16S(». 

His son Francis, in l&J'd, married Maria, daughter of Dominie 
Laurentius Van Gaasbeek, and died in IT-'iG. He settled in Caat- 
skill, and there left descendants. His son Sylvester came to Kings- 
ton and commanded the Kingston trooji of Light Horse in the 
Revolution. 

Maryhem, the daughter of Sylvester the elder, on the l.^th of 
May, 1701, married Jacob Marius Groen, as before statetl in this 
chapter. 

SciiEPMOES. — Jan Jansen Schepmoes was in New Amsterdam 
as early as 1638. He died in IGHS. By his wife, Sarah Pietersen, 
he had eight children. His son. Dirck Janse Sche])moes, nu)ved to 
Es()i>us. He married Maria \\'illems. After her death, on the 
•28th of September, 1703, he married Margrietje, daughter of Jurian 
Teunisse Tappen. He left several daughters, but only one son, 
Johannes, wlio was the issue of the first marriage, and is the pro- 
genitor of the Schepmoes family of Kingston. 

ScHooNM.\KEK. — lleiiilrick Joi'lieinsen Schoonmaker was a native 
of Hamburg, in Germany. The precise time of his arrival in this 
country is not known, but he came in the military service of the 
Dutch West India Comiiany. and was lieutenant "' in the company 
of Ids noble Honor the Director General." It is certain that he 
was there as early as the year 16.54, for there is a record of his 
advance of money in that year to Governor Stuyvesant " in time 
of need." He was an innholder at Fort Orange, and accpiired the 



488 HISTORY OF KINGSTOT^. 

title to considerable veal estate. He owned, besides other lots, a 
lot on the east corner of what is now Broadway and State Street. 
In the fall of 1659 his comjiany was ordered to Esojjus for the de- 
fence of the settlers in their troubles with the Indians. He was 
there in 1660, and at the expiration of his enlistment he settled at 
Esopus. A short time afterward, in 1662, when the burghers 
organized a comijany of militia at Esopus, he was appointed lieu- 
tenant under Thomas Chambers as captain. 

Hendrick Jochemsen married Elsie Janse, daughter of Jan Janse 
Breestede and widow of Adriaen Petersen Van Alcmaer. He died 
about 1681, and his widow, September 26th, 1684, married Cornells 
Barentsen Slecht. 

Hendrick left four children, Jochem Hendrick, Egbert, Engetje, 
andHillitje. l^,J^i.<l< a^ v-- i/-. . • -' : si ^^ .i^. '^. ;. 

The oldest son, Jochem Hendrick, who was born at Albany, 
married, August 1st, 1679, Petronella, daughter of Cornells Bar- 
rentsen Slecht and Tryntje Tysse Boz. After her death on the 
28th of April, 1689, he married Anna, daughter of Frederick and 
Margaret Hussey. He was one of the pioneer settlers at Mumbac- 
cus and one of three original trustees named in the Rochester Pat- 
ent granted by Queen Anne in 1703. He continued as trustee by 
annual election until 17J 3. He was supervisor of the town from 
1709 to 1712, and was captain of a company raised for defence 
against the Indians. He died in 171B and left fourteen children. 
The children by his first marriage were : 

Cornelius, who on the 2oth of November, 1711, married Engeltje 
Eoosa, of Hurley. 

Hendrick, who married, November 25th, 1704, Hillitje Garrison 
Pecker and moved to Minisink. 

Tryntje, who married, in 1704, Jacobus Bruyn, the ancestor of 
the Bruyn family, and 

Elsie, who in 1706 married Joseph Hasbrouck, the ancestor of 
the Kingston and Gardiner Hasbrouck families. 

The issue of his second marriage : Rebecca ; Fi'ederic^k married 
Anna De AVitt ; Jan married IMargaret Hornbeek ; ]\Iargaret mar- 
ried Moses Depuy ; Jacob married Maria Rosecrantz ; Elizabeth 
married Benjamin Depuy ; Benjamin nuirried Katrina Depuy and 
moved by the Mine Road across the Delaware River ; Antje ; Sai-ah 
married Jacobus Depuy ; Daniel moved by the Mine Road across 
the Delaware River. 

The writer will not venture to follow out the details of the 
offspring of this large ])rogeny, as it would itself require a 
volume ; but he will the branch with which he is immediately con- 
nected. 

The eldest son, Cornelius, who married Engeltje Roosa, at his 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 489 

death left four cliililicii, Katyntje, Petronella, Cornelius, and Eliza- 
betli. 

Their son Cornelius, on the "ilid of May, 1744, married Ariautje 
Ilornbeek, of Hbcliester. lie died at Sliawan.iiiink on the 21.st of 
January, 1778, and left the following children : Cornelius C, 
Abraliani, Isaac, and Maria. 

Their son, Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, on the 28tli of October, 
1768, married Sally, daughter of Zachariah 1 [oilman, of Siiawau- 
gunk. lie died in 179n, leaAMng the following children : 

Cornelius T., who married Polly 'i'aylor ; Henry, who married 
MariTje Terwilliger ; Maria married Simeon Ilelmn ; Sarah married 
Selah Tuthill ; llai'riet married Andrew IVdford ; Zachariah uiar- 
ried Cornelia Maiiu.s Ci-oen. lie died in 1818, leaving surviving his 
son, Marius Schoonmaker. 

Sleight. — Cornells Barrentsen Sleclit was the ancestor of the 
Sleight family in Kingston. He was an early resident of Esopus. 
Tie fiom the beginning took a pronnneiit and active part in the 
atl'airs of the cluirch and settlement. His lirst wife was Tryntje 
Tysse Boz. After her- death he married Elsie Janse Breestede, 
widow of Ilendrick Jochemsen Schoonmakei-. lie left a number 
of children, some of whose descendants are residents of Kingston 
and vicinity. 

SwAirrwoiiT. — RoelofF Swartwont came to this country about 
IG;");), and married at Albany, August. 18th, l(i.")7, Eva Albertse 
Bratt, widow of Anthony de Hooges. After her death he married 
at New Yoi'k, October 8th, 1001, Francyntje Andries. Avidow of 
Abraham LulibtM'tsen. lie left seven ciiililreii, Thoimis, Bernardus, 
Anthony, Ilendrica, Cornelia, llachel, and Eva. 

T.M'PKX.- — Juriau Teuiiisse 'raiii)eii resided at l-'ort Orauge as 
early as Ifiti'i. His wife was tlie danghter of Wybrecht Jacobse. 
Theii' son, Tunis Tappen, settled in Kingston, and his son, Chris- 
tolfal Tappeu. at an early day was a prominent and leading citizen 
of Kingston, and was the direct ancestor of the Tappen family 
in this place and father of Christopher Tappen, who married the 
sister of (Jovernor (Minton. 

Ten Brokck. — Wessel AYesselsen Ten Bioeck was born about 
1636 at Wessen, in Munster, a division of Westplialia. He came to 
this country in December, 16.">!), in tlie ship Faith, and landed at 
New York. He remained there for a time, and there was married 
Decembei' Kith, 1670, to Maria, daughter of Coenraedt Ten Eyck 
and Maria Boele. He removed to Kingston about 167.5. His wife 



490 HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 

Maria died November intli, 1694. On the 26tli of September, 1695, 
lie married Laiirentia Kellenaer, the widow of Dominie Van Gaas- 
beek. By his lirst wife he had ten children : 

Wessel, who married, June 6th, 1694, Jacomyntje, daughter of 
Dominie Van Gaasbeek. He resided in the old Senate House, and 
in 1738 was lieutenant-colonel in the Ulster County Militia. 

]\Iaria, who on the 14th of November, 1693, married Charles, 
son of Captain Daniel Brodhead. 

Elsie married, December 22d, 1695, Cornelis Jansen Decker. • 

Sarah maiTied, November 22d, 1702, Cornelis Vemooy. 

John married, December nth, 171.^, Rachel, daughter of Hjonen 
Roosa and Anna Margaret Roosevelt. 

Jacob married, January 17th, 1712, Elizabeth, daughter of 
Johannis Wynkoop and Jtidith Bloodgood. 

Two of his children died unmarried and two died in infancy. 

Ten Etck.— Coenraedt Ten Eyck, the ancestor of the Ten Eyck 
family, emigrated from Amsterdam prior to 1651. He came with 
his wife, Maria Boele, and three children, Jacob, Dirck, and Maria. 
After his arrival in New Amsterdam he had eight more children. 
He died in 1686. His daughter Maria married Wessel Ten Broeck, ■ 
of Esopiis, December 17th, 1760. His son, Matthew Ten Eyck, 
who was born in 1658, removed to Kingston, and on the 25th of 
October, 1679, married Anneke, daughter of Albert Heymans 
Roosa and Wyntje Ariens. This jMatthew became the direct 
ancestor of the Ten Eyck family in Kingston and the vicinity. 

Van Buren. — Gerrit Cornelissen Van Buren, born in Holland 
an agriculturist on the 27th day of April, 1660 ; emigrated from 
Holland to the New Netherlands with his family in the ship Gilded 
Otter. He settled first at Fort Orange, and afterward moved to 
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, where he died. He was the pro- 
genitor of the Kinderhook l)rancli of the Van Buren family as well 
as the Kingston branch. 

Martin, the son of Cornelissen Gerrit, died at Rensselaerwyck 
in 1704. 

His son, Cornelis, who died at Rensselaerwyck in 1700, before 
his father, left him surviving, besides other children, his oldest son, 

Tol)ias, who was born in 1687; removed to Kingston, and on 
the loth of December, 1712, married Hellena Bogardus, the grand- 
daughter of Dominie Everard us BoganlAis and Anneke Jans. He 
lived in the old stone house which is still standing at the corner of 
the streets now designated as' Gi-een Street and Maiden Lane ; it 
was rebuilt a f ter the burning of Kingston, and is still in the occu- 
pancy of one of his descendants. 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTON. 491 

His eldest son was Cornelis Van liunMi, wlio was born December 
13th, 1715, and married Hari'iet llotighteling. lie died February 
22d, 1770, leavinic a family of cliildrt'n. 

Ilis eldest son was naiiu'd Toluas, bom on the 9th of August, 
1741, and married Sarali Du ISnis. and died December 18th, 1821. 

His (ildcst son, Cornelius, was born Se])temVier ^(tth, 1700 ; mar- 
ried Eiizabetli Persen, and died on tiie 4tii of April, 184G, leaving 
five duldren, all sons — Tobias, Jolin, Isaac, Cornelius P., and 
Henry. 

Van Demahk.— Thomas Van Demark, ancestor of the Van 
Demark family, first appears in the recf)rds in Hi07. He was in the 
spring of that year concerned in the military troubles at Kingston, 
His wife was Jacomyntje Jacoljs, and they had several children. 

His son Arie married, August 27th, 1099, Sarali Bond, of 
Schenectady. 

Jacob, December 24th, 1710, married Jannatje Sluyter. 

Augustinus married, September 27th, 1717, Annatje Schot, of 
Xew Paltz. 

Frederick married, June 21st, 1718, Geertje Tack. Their 
daughter, Jannatje, boin in 1724, married, on the 24th of Jxdy, 
1748, Jonathan ^^'estl)rook, who died leaving four children, Dii'ck, 
Fredericiv (the father of Rev. Dr. Cornelius D. \Vestl)rookj, 
Jonathan, and Annatje Westbrook. 

Van Dkklyx. — Peter Xan Derlyn, a painter and artist, came 
ovei- to this country about the commencement of the eigliteenth 
century. He married a daughter of tlie Rev. Peter Vas, pastor of 
the Dutch Church in Kingston. He left two sons, Peter, a phj'- 
sician, and Nicholas. 

Peter was the father of Henry and Gerrit Van Dei-lyn, who 
removed to Oxford, Chenango County. 

Nicholas, on the HOth of December, 1756, married Sarah Peck. 

After her death he married, in February, 1709, Sarah Ta])])en. 

They left two sons surviving, Nicholas, who was born January, 
177H, and John (the artist), who was born October 15th, 1775. 

John died unmarried. 

Nicholas had several children, but his daughter Catharine is the 
only surviving member of the fanuly in Kingston. 

Van Etten.— a young man by the name of Jacob Janse enu- 
grated from the village of Etten, in North Brabant, Holland, some- 
time prior to the year 1664. He married in Kingston Anna Aliens 
from Amsterdam, and widow of Aert Peterson. Janse, as was 
common in those days, assumed the name of his birthplace as his 



492 HISTORY or Kingston. 

surname, affixing thereto the Dutch word " Von," meaning 
'■^from,'" which word was afterward Anglicized to " Van," and he 
thus acquired the name of Van Etten. Tliat process may be 
assumed to be tlie origin of most of the names commencing with 
" Van'" in this region. 

Jacob Janse ]iad two chihlren, Jan, baptized in 1(366, and Hytje, 
in 1668. One of his grandchildren, who was born in 1717, resided 
at Rhinebeck and became a large landholder. His son Aaron 
afterward exchanged his prt)perty at Rliinel)eck for a tract of land 
in Ulster County, situated in the neighborhood called Plattekill, 
then in the precinct of Kingston, now within the bounds of Sauger- 
ties. From Peter has descendetl tliat branch of the Van Etten 
family represented by residents of that name in Kingston. 

Van Gaasbeek. — Dominie Laurentius Van Gaasbeek, second 
pastor of the Dutch Churf^h in Kingston, was the son of Gowert Van 
Gaasbeek, of Leyden. He was educated in the University of 
Leyden, and graduated with honors in May, 1674. He had ])revi- 
ou.sly married Laurentia Kellenaer on the 28tli of May, 1673. Duly 
accredited by the Classis of Amsterdam to take charge of the 
chui'ch at Kingston, he sailed for New York on the 18th of Ma}% 
1678, with his wife and two infant children. He arrived at Kings- 
ton on the 8th of September, 1678, and at once entered upon 
his pastoral duties. He died February, 1680, leaving three chil- 
dren : 

Jacomyntje, born at Leyden, and married, June 6th, 1694, Wes- 
sel Ten Broeck, son of Wessel Ten Broeck and Maria. Ten Eyck. 

Maria, born at Leyden, and married, in 1693, Francis, son of 
Captain Sylvester Salisbury and Elizabeth Beeck. 

Abraham married in New York, August 26th, 1703, Sarah Bay- 
ard, daughter of Peter Bayard and Blaudina Kiersted. 

Thomas Chambers, one of the first settlers in this country and, 
as appears in the eai'ly pages of this liistory. Lord of the Manor of 
Foxhall, in 1681 married Laurentia Kellenaer, the widow of Domi- 
nie Laui'entius Van Gaasbeek and the mother of Abraham Van 
CJaasbeek. ('hambers at his death, not having any children, by 
his last will dated Ajiril ^th, 1694, devised to his stepson, Abra- 
ham Van Gaasbeek, all his manor estate, privileges, etc., upon the 
express condition that he assume the surname of Chambers, to 
descend in seniority to his descendants, and bound it by an intri- 
cate entail. Aluaham accordingly assumed the name, and was 
thereafter known as Abraham Gaasbeek Chambers. After his 
death his heirs, in 17.'')2, broke the entail, divided the property, 
r(^l)udiiite(l the name of Chambers, and assumed the patronymic of 
Van Gaasbeek. 



HISTORY OK KINGSTON. 493 

Abraham was the father of thirteen children. Some died in 
infancy, others died single. 'Plie married clnldren wen^ as folhiw.s : 

l'>landina married, December I.")tli, 1727, Wessel, .son of We.ssel 
Ten Broeck, Jr., and Jacomyntje Van Gaasbeek. 

Tliomas maiiit'd, Decembei' •2-2d, 17:)-i, Margaret, danghter of 
.lacobns Elmeiuhnf and Antje Cool. 

Anna Maria married, January 2d, 1735, Lawrence, son of 
Kiancis Salisbnry and ^faria Van Gaasbeek. 

Surah mairied, Augnst '2()l\\, 1744, Abraham Delameter, Jr., son 
of Cornells Delameter and Margaret Van Steenbergh. 

.Vbraham married, Jnno 1st, Hf)!, Sarah, daughter of John Ten 
Hroeck and Rachel Roosa. 

Catharine married, January 0th, 17:W, Anthony, son of Nicholas 
Ilolfnian and Jannatje Crispell. 

Jt)lin married, August Kltii, 174ri, .Vntje, danghter of Timothy 
Lou' and llendricktje Cool. 

"William married, December 7th, 17i5(), Catliarine, daughter of 
Johaiuns Delameter and Chi'istina Wynkoo]). 

Van Kkuren. — Matthys, known as Matthysen, assumed the 
surname of Van Keuren. He married Tjaatje De Witt, eldest 
daughter of Tjerck Claessen De Witt, and founded the Van Keuren 
family. 

Van Steenbergh.— Jan Jansen, from Amersfoort, generally 
known as Jansen Timmerman (carpenter), October ikl, K'MO, mar- 
ried a lady named Catharine and assumed the name of Van Steen- 
bergh, and was the progenitor of that family. 

Van Wagonen. — Aert Jacobsen (Van Wagonen) was early a 
resident of Albany. In 1660 he purchased from Madam De Hulter 
forty-seven morgans of land at Esopns, upon wliich he settled. 
He had five children. 

Gerrit married Clara, daughter of Evert Pells. 

Neeltje married, June nth, KWu, Cornelis Tyidiont. 

Jacob married, February ^r^th, 1(577, Sarah, daughter of Evert 
Pells. 

Greetje married, April 2r)tli, 1007, Jacobus Elmendorf. 

Elizabeth mai-ried C'ornelis ^fasten. 

Vkuxoov. -Cornelis Conielissen X'ernooy sailed with his wife 
and ciiikl, January, 1(;()4, in the ship Faith for tliis country, and 
settled in Kingston. Ills wife's name was Annatje Cornelis. Of 
liis children, 

(ilreetje nianied Jacob, son of Tjerck Claessen De Witt and Bar- 
bara Andriessen. 



494 niSTOKT OF kingstok. 

Cornelia mariied, ]\lai'ch 8th, 1689, David, son of Louis Du Bois 
and Catryn Blanshan. 

Marritje married, July 19th, 1G96, Lodewyck, son of Warnaar 
Hornbeek and Eva I)e Hooges. 

Cornelis married, November 22d, 1702, Sarah, daughter of 
Wessel Ten Broeck and Maria Ten Eyck. 

Vredenbergh. — Willem Isaacsen Vredenbergh, from the Hague, 
was the ancestor of this family. Remarried in New York, October 
19tli, 1664, Appolonia Barentse, daughter of Barent Jacobsen Cool. 
He was a soldier in the service of the West India Company and 
settled in Esopus, where two of his children were baptized, Abra- 
ham, January 27th, 1682 ; Jaunatje, April 6th, 1684. 

Westbrook. — Jonathan Westbrook was an officer in the army 
of Oliver Ci'omwell, and came over to this country at the restora- 
tion and upon the accession, in 1660, of Charles the Second to the 
British tlirone. He was one of the early residents of the town of 
Rochester, Ulster County. He had two sons, Derek '\^'estbrook 
and Johannis Westbrook. They took the oath of allegiance in 
1689. 

Derek Westbrook left him survi\ing a son, Jonathan Westbrook, 
who, on the 24th day of July, 1748, married Jaunatje, daughter of 
Frederick Yandemark and Geertje Task. They left three sons and 
one daughter, Annatje ; their sons, 

Derek married Gertrude, daughter of Wessel Brodhead. 

Jonathan married Sarah Deyo, and 

Frederick married Sarah Depuy. 

Derek, Jr., left two children, Wessel B. Westbrook and Hellena, 
wife of Jacobus S. Depuy. 

Jonathan left four children, Jonathan, Frederick, Jacob, and 
Derek. 

Frederick left one son. Rev. Corneb'us D. Westbrook. D.D. 
He married Hannah, daughter of Isaac Yan Wyck, of Fishkill. 
After her death he married Sarah, daughter of Tjerck Beekman, 
and had a large family of children — four by his first and eight by 
his second wife. 

Wtnkoop. — Cornelis Wynkoop was in Albany as early as 1657. 
He removed to Kingston prior to 1671, for in that year he was an 
• elder in the Kingston Church. His wife was Maria Janse Langen-. 
dyck. Their children were : 

Johannis, kno\\"n as Major Johannis Wynkoop, who married, 
June 7th, 1687, Juditli Bloodgood. After her death he married, 
in 1696, Cornelia, daughter of Dirck Wessels Ten Broeck, of 
Albany. 



HISTORY OF KIXGSTON. 495 

Maria marrietl Moses, son of Nicholas Depuy. 
/Evert, who niarriod, Aiisust "idtli. IfJSS, Gertnule. (hiuirhttT of 
Jacobus Eliiieiidoif aiul (ireetje Aertse \'an Wairniieii. After her 
death he married Antje, daughter of Roeloff Kierstede and f^icke 
Roosa. 

(rerrit married Hillitje. dauiiliter of (Jerrit Fokker and Jacom- 
yntje Slecht. 

Benjamin married. October •Jorh. Ui'JT, Femmitje, daughter of 
Abraham \'auderheul and Tryutje lleudrick Kip. 



XoTK. — The following liistory of Ihe Houghtclinsr family was received too late for 
insert ii 111 in its proper alphabetical order, and is therefore placed here. 

HouGUTELiNG. — Jan Hooghtyling was the ancestor of the Kings- 
ton branch of this family ; he married Ariantje Appel. Their son, 
Jan Hooghtyling, Jr.. married Maria ("olevelt. Their son Wil- 
helnuis was born in New York, and baptized there on the 17th of 
September. 1000. niiirried Marytjen Tappen, at Kingston, on the 
ISth of Novenilier, 17"i(i. Tlieir son Tennis, on the tirst day of 
November, 1747, married Elizabeth Beekman, at Kingston. Their 
son Johannis, who was baptized in New York, November 2r)th, 
17/)7, married on the 20tli of Ai)ril, 1777, Anna Muyretta Koosa, at 
Kingston. They had three sons : Teunis, baptized April 5th, 1787, 
Cornelius, baptized August 23d, 1789, and Henry, baptized October 
IGth, 1791. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

INDIAN RELICS. 

IT was not the intention of the writer when he commenced the 
preparation of this book to liave anything to say in regard to 
the historj^ or manners and customs of the Indians, except so far 
as might be necessary to elucidate tlie liistory of the early settle- 
ment of Europeans among them. But as it may be of interest to 
some of his readers he has added this chapter, principally devoted 
to an account of some Indian relics which have been found in this 
county, and are still preserved as mementoes of the past. 

Before proceeding to that, however, it will be noted that there 
was, until a comparatively recent period, but not probably within 
the recollection of any one now living, an Indian inscription in the 
vicinity of Kingston, which is described by Mr. ScJioolcraft in his 
history of the Indian tribes of North America, as follows : 

" There is a pictographic Indian inscrii^tion in the valley of the 
Hudson above the Highlands, which from its antiquity and char- 
acter appears to denote the era of the introduction of fire-arms and 
gunpowder among the aboriginal tribes of that valley. This era 
may with general accuracy be placed between the years 1609, the 
date of Hudson's ascent of that stream above the Highlands, and 
the opening of the Indian trade with the Iroquois by the erection 
of Fort Orange in 1614. 

* * « * -X- * * * * * * * 

" Tlie location of the inscription is on the west embankment of 
the Hudson at Esojius Landing. My attention was tirst directed to 
it by Peter Force, Esq., of Washington, D. C, a gentleman who had 
passed his youth in the vicinity, and had freqiiently visited the 
declivity on which it is cut ; being a convenient sjiot, as lie told 
me, for undressing, as was the custom of boys in the vicinity to 
swim in the river. Other indications have been reported at sundry 
times of the skill of these ancient Indians in inscribing ligures on 
rocks. Tracks of human feet are among these objects, but the 
progress of building in that vicinity and the existence of but little 
curiosity on that head appears to have destroyed these interesting 
traces of a people who once fancied themselves important, but who 
now live only in history." 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



497 



The iiiscri]iti(m on the rock at Esojdis liandins; was the ligure 
of an Indiiiii willi ]iliiiiirs on liis licad mid lioldini;- a liiiii in liis 
right liiiiid al rest, and a wand or some t)llit'r instrument in ids left. 

Mr. Sclioolcral't iiarticnlarly (l»'S('iil)es and coinnifiits tiins npt)n 
the liguic : •* Tlie iuscrii)tiuu may be supposed, if the era is prop- 




erly conjectured, to have been made with metallic tools. Tlie lines 
are ])lainly and deeply impressed. It is in double lines, 'i'he 
plumes from tlie iiead denote a cluef or man sliilled in tlie Indian 
medico-magical art ; the left appears to sujjport a wand. It is in 
the rampant Indian style. Sucli an inscription, recording the intro- 




duction of the gun, would not be made wlien that era had long 
past and lost its interest." 

It is a well Ivnown and at the same time interesting fact that 

the aborigines of this country were accustomed to reconl u]){)n 

rocks, stones, and other substances historical and biograpliical 

events by pictorial scrolls and other devices, and they also in lilve 

32 



498 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



manner registered the heroic deeds of their departed chiefs and 
distinguished warriors upon the ad-je-da-tic (monumental or grave 
tablet), consisting of a stone slab or post. The pictographic 
records upon wood and other perishable materials have, of course, 
long since passed away ; but those engraved upon the more imper- 
ishable substance are still occasionally found in jslaces where the 




Indians when lords of the country centuries ago resorted and where 
the besom of destruction and improvement has had no occasion to 
wipe them out of existence. 

In order that the reader may more fully comprehend the charac- 
ter of the relics referred to, the accompanying plates are inserted, 











which are made from photographic copies, and correctly represent 
the originals. 

The first two pictures represent the two flat surfaces of a stone 
slab, irregular in shape and apparently having portions or at least 
a corner bi'oken off. It is twenty inches in length and twelve 
inches in breadth. AVhen found it was standing in a slanting posi- 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



499 



rion resting against other stones and thickly covered with moss, 
only a small point at the top projecting. From its position and 
appearance whon found it is evident it hail been there a long time. 

It is covered witli Indian marks on both sides. It is supposed 
to be a part of the adjedatic or gravestone of some Indian chief or 
warrior, the bird thereon indicating the " totem" or insignia of the 
tribe, family, or class to which the deceased belonged, and the 
other marks thereon recording his exploits (p. 497). 

It is well known also that the Indians frequently recorded their 





;— w 



K 



. '\ 




RtanT SIDEtOP TU8K. 



LEFT SIDE OF TDSK, LOWER SIDE OF TUSK. UPPEll >1DI; UP TUSK 



war, hunting, and other expeditions and extraordinary events by 
pictograi)hs, not only on rocks, but upon small stones, bark of 
trees, and other portable things which could be hung up in their 
wigwams or earned about with them. They were the Indian's 
autobiographical records of his achievements and triumphs. It is 
supposed that the stone represented in this engraving is one of that 
character (p. 498). 

The stone is five inches long, three and a half inches wide, and 
a little over an inch in thickness, with edges rounded as if worn by 
water. On one side of the stone can be noticed a camp-lire and 
also two chiefs, indicated by their head-dress and their respective 
totems, one a turtle and the other a bear or wolf. 

The next relic represented is a tusk carved with Indian picto- 
graphs. The four figures in the engraving represent the different 
sides of the tusk and exhibit the respective figures thereon. When 



500 



HISTORY OF KINGSTON. 



found the hollow inside was filled with fine stuff resembling rotten 
wood. 



mi" Mil I 









ii 




Sm^ 



^ ^'J O^' 




INDIAK OHNAMENTS. 



The fondness of the Indian for beads and other small ornaments 
is so well understood that it is unnecessary to mention it— it is pro- 



IIISTOKY UK KIXGSTON. 501 

verbhil. They were worn hy chiefs mid others in gi'eat profusion, 
and when the Indian was buried his ornaments and all he had were 
buried with liim. 

'I'he last picture contains, on the top line toward the left, four 
Iiuliiin allow -lieads made of white metal discolored by exposure ; 
the rest are beads, shells, and ornaments of diiTeient kinds, a few 
very handsome ones of ])earl. 

Indian tribes and clans iiave had no foothold or settlement in 
this country for two hundred years and ovei-. 'i'heir favorite re- 
sorts and resting-j)laces have been by them, (hiriuii; tiiat long time, 
deserted and abandoned to the possession and control of the Euro- 
pean settlers and their descendants. It is not, therefore, strange 
that they should have left behind them in the graves of their chiefs 
and warriors, as well as occasionally by accident on the surface, 
coveted and cherisiied ornaments, as well as articles of nse and 
necessity in their mode of life. It will be noticed, in regard to 
these relics, that the only instruments of war represented on any of 
them are the bow and arrow and the war-club — no fire-arms ; nor is 
an European represented on any of them. The white man in Indian 
pictography is represented always with a hat. 

The author's task is now done, and it is a relief to him, as he 
supposes it will be to his readers after wading through the volume, 
to be able to say, It is kinisukd. 



APPENDIX. 



FIRST CHARTP]R OR PATENT GRANTED TO WTLT- 

WYCK, IGGl. 



Copy of Translation. 



CHARTER OF WILTWYCK, 1661. 

Petkus Stuyvksant, in behalf of tlio Higli and Mighty Lords, 
the States General of the United Netherhmds, and tlie Lords 
Directors of tlie Privih,>ged West India Company, Director-general 
of New Netherland, Cura(,'oa, Aruba, and Buenaire and depen- 
dencies, together with the High Council, To all who shall see, or 
hear this read. Greeting. Be it known, that their Honors, hoping 
and wishing nothing else but the prosperity and welfare of their 
good inliahitnnts gonorally, and particularly that of the lesidents 
in the village of Wiltwyck, situateil in the Esopus ; and desiring 
that this may be effected and preserved with more love, peace and 
harmony, and to show to each iidiabitant of the aforesaid village, 
and prove by deed its effects ; so is it, that the aforesaid Director- 
general and Council, (considering the increased population of said 
village, resolve to favor its inhabitants with a subaltern eourt of 
justice, and to organize it as far as possil)le, and the situation of 
the country will permit, in conformity with the customs of the city 
of Amsterdam in Holland, but so, that from all judgments an ap- 
peal may be made to the Director-general and Council in New 
Netherland, who shall reserve the power to give their final decision. 

It is therefore, necessary, so that everything may be elfected 
with due order and respect, that there be chosen as judges, honest, 
intelligent persons i)ossessing real estate, peaceable men, good sub- 
jects to their Lords and Patroons, and the high administration 
appointed by them in this country, professors of the Reformed 
religion, as iij^ now preached in the United Netherlandish churches, 



504 APPENDIX. 

in conformity to the word of God, and the orders of the synod of 
Dordrecht ; which court of justice for the present time, till otlier- 
wise shall be ordained by the aforesaid Lords Patroons in their 
authorized administration, shall consist of a Schout, being in loco, 
who shall summon in the name of the Director-general and Council, 
the appointed Schepens, and preside at their meeting ; and with 
him three Schepens, who for the present time and ensuing year, 
beginning with the last of May next, are elected by the Director- 
general and Council aforesaid, and confirmed after they shall have 
taken their oath, Evart Pels, Cornells Barentsen Slecht, and Elbert 
Heymans Roose. Before whom all cases relative to the pf)lice, 
security and peace of the inhabitants of Esopus, so too all suits 
between man and man, shall be brought, heard, examined and 
determined by definitive judgment, to the amount of fifty guilders 
and below it, without appeal. But on higher sums it shall be left 
to the discretion of the aggrieved to appeal to the Director-general 
and Council aforesaid, provided that he enters the appeal in due 
time, and procvires bail for the prosecution and expenses of the law- 
suit, according to law. 

If there be a disparity of votes and opinions on any occurrent 
affairs, then the minority shall coincide with the majority without 
contradiction. But it is permitted to those who adopt another 
opinion or advice, to have their sentiments and advice registered 
on the roll or protocol. But they shall by no means ijublish out 
of court their advice, or communicate the same to the parties, 
under arbitrary correction, at the discretion of the bench. 

The Schout shall, in conformity to the first article, preside at the 
meeting, collect the votes, aiid act as secretary till further orders, 
or until the population is increased. But, whenever he shall either 
act for himself, or in behalf of the rights of the Lords Patroons, or 
in behalf of justice in the place of the Attoiney-general, in all such 
cases he shall leave his seat, and absent himself from the bench, 
and in such cases he shall not have an advisory, much less a cast- 
ing vote. In all such cases, one of the oldest Schepens shall pre- 
side in his place. 

What in the aforesaid article is decreed with regard to the 
Schout shall take i)lace in a similar manner with respect to the 
Schepens, whenever, in the aforesaid court, any cases or questions 
might occur between them as parties or others, nearly allied in 
blood to the appointed Schepens, as when a brother, a brother-in- 
law, or a cousin is concerned, viz.: in the first and right line. 

All inhabitants of the Esopus are, till further orders, either 
from the Lords Patroons, or their higher magistrates, subjected 
and may be summoned before the aforesaid Schout and Commis- 
saries, Avho shall hold their court, in the village aforesaid, every 



APPENDIX. 505 

fortnight — harvest time excepted — unless necessity or occasion 
might ntht'i'wiso roqiiire. 

To procure the good inhabitants ol' Wiltwyck a civil and easy 
administration of justice, the Schoiit as President, and the Schepens 
of tliis. court, sliall, for the better conveniency of pai'ties, ajipear 
at the appointed day and place, on tlie tiiif of twenty stivers, to be 
disposed of by the college, when they shall have been informed by 
the court messenger, qualitii'd for that purpose by the Director- 
general and Council, at least twenty four hours, of the sessions of 
the court, and double this sum for the President, except by sick- 
ness or absence. If they arrive too late, or after the stated hour, 
the penalty shall be six stivers. 

Xo extraordinary sessions shall, at the expenses and bnrdens of 
the parties, be called, except at the request of both i)arties, with 
submission to the co.sts, in case of the loss of the suit ; which costs 
.shall i)ivviously be secured by the solicitant or plaiutitf, viz.: for 
each Schepen, fifteen stivers ; for tlin President, three guilders ; 
bedsides a provision for the clerk, yet to be ai)])oiutwl, the court 
messenger, and other necessary costs, agreeably to law. 

All criminal cases shall be directly referred to the Director-gen- 
eral and romicil in New Xptherland. provided that the court re- 
mains obliged to apprehend, arrest, detain and imprison the delin- 
quents till they have a proper opportunity to transport them with 
safety before the supreme magistrate of the land, while in the 
mean time, they are holden to take good and correct informations 
with regard to the committed crime, at the expense of the crim- 
inal, or in behalf of the Attorney-general, and transmit these 
together with the delinquent. 

Lesser crimes, as quarrels, injuries, scolding, kicking, beating, 
threatenings, simply drawing a knife or sword, without assault or 
bloodshed, are left to the judicature and decision of the aforesaid 
court, in which cases the Schout nuiy act as plaintiff before said 
court, with reservation of the clause of appeal, if the condemned 
feel himself aggrieved by the decision of said court. 

All ci iminals and delintpumts guilty of wounding, blood.shed, 
fornication, adultery, public and notorious thefts, robberies, smug- 
gling or contraband, blas])heji)y, violating God's holy name and 
religion, injuring and slandering the Sui>reiue Magistrates, or their 
re]iresentatives, shall, with the informations, affidavits and wit- 
nes^^es, be referred to the Director-general and Council of New 
Netherland. 

Should the situation of affairs be such that the President and 
Schepens deem it advisable for the security and peace of the inhab- 
itants, during the absence of the Director-general and Ccjuncil, for 
the greater advantage and peace of the village and court aforesaid, 



506 APPENDIX. 

to issue in said district any orders, respecting public roads, en- 
closure of lands, gardens or orchards, and further, what might con- 
cern the country and agriculture ; so, too, relative to the building 
of churches, schools, and other similar public works ; as well as 
the means from which, and in what manner, these shall be regu- 
lated, they are authorized to bring their considerations on such 
subjects in writing, siipport these by argument, and deliver them 
to the Director-general and Council, to be, if deemed useful and 
necessary, confirmed, apj)roved and commanded by the Director- 
general and Council. 

The aforesaid Sc"hout and Schepens shall further take care, and 
are obliged to see the laws of our Fatherland, and the ordinances 
and placards of the Director-general and Council, already pub- 
lished, or which may be published, in future, carefully executed 
and kept in strict observance, and not to permit that, under any 
pretext, anything shall be done contrary thereto, but that the 
transgressors shall be prosecuted according to law. 

The aforesaid Sellout and court are not permitted to enact any 
ordinances, placards or similar acts, or publish and affix these, 
except by previous consent of the Director-general and Council. 

The Sellout and Schepens shall further take (!are and be liolden, 
to assist the Noble Lords Directors, as Lords and Patroons of this 
New Netherland province, under the sovereignty of the High and 
Mighty Lords the States General of the United Provinces, and to 
aid to maintain them in their high jurisdiction, rights, domains, 
and all their other pre-eminences. 

Whereas, it is customary in our Fatherland and other well regu- 
lated governments, that annually some change takes place in the 
magistracy, so that some new ones are appointed, and some are 
continued to inform the newly appointed, so shall the Schepens, 
now confirmed, pay due attention to the conversation, conduct and 
abilities of honest and decent persons, inhabitants of their respec- 
tive village, to inform the Director-general and Council, about the 
time of the next election, as to who might be sufficiently qualified 
to be then elected by the Director-general and Council. Done, 
and given by the Director-general and Council, at their meeting 
in Foit Amsterdam, in New Netherland, this lUtli day of May, 
1661. 



ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION TO THE ENGLISH, 1664. 

These articles following were consented to by the persons here- 
under snhsrril)(>d at tlie (Governor's bowery Angii.sf 27tli, l(i(>4. 

1. We consent tliat the States General or the West India Com- 
pany shall freely enjoy all farms anil houses (except such as are in 
the forts), and that within six months they shall have free liberty 
to transport all such arms and ammunition as now does belong to 
them, or else tliey shall be paid for them. 

2. All publiqne houses shall continue to the uses whicli they 
are for. 

3. All people shall continue free denizens, and shall enjoy their 
lands, houses, goods, wheresoever they are within this country and 
dispose of them as they ]ilease. 

4. If any inluibitaut have a iiiiud to remove himself, he shall 
have a year and six weeks from this day to remove himself, wife, 
children, servants, goods, and to dispose of his lands lu-re. 

n. If any officer of State, or i)ublique minister of State, have a 
mind go for England Iliry shall be transported fraiight free in his 
Majesty's frigotts when tiiose frigotts shall return thither. 

(5. It is consented to tiiat any people may freely come from the 
Netherlands and plant in this colony, and that Dutch vessels may 
freely come hither, any of the Dutch may freely return home, or 
send any sort of merchandise home, in the vessels of their own 
country. 

7. All ships from the Nethtnlands or any other ]ilace and goods 
therein, shall be received here, and sent hence after the manner 
which formerly they were before our coming hither for six months 
next ensuing. 

8. The Dutch here shall enjoy the liberty of their conscit;nce in 
divine worship and church discii)line. 

9. No Dutchman here or Dutch ship here, shall, upon any occa- 
sion, be pressed to serve in war against any nation whatsoever. 

10. That the townsmen of the Manhattans shall not have any 
soldiers quartered upon them without being satisfied and paid for 
them by their officers, and that at this pr(»sent, if the fort be not 
capable of lodging all the soldieis then the burgomasters bj- their 
officers, shall appoint some houses capable to receive them. 



508 APPKNDIX. 

11. The Dutch here shall enjoy their own customs concerning 
their inheritances. 

12. All publique writings and records which concern the inherit- 
ance of any People or the regiment of the church or poor, or 
orphans, shall be carefully kept by those in whose hands now they 
are, arid such writings as particularly concern the States General 
may at any time be sent to them. 

13. No judgment that has passed any judicature here shall be 
called in question ; nor if any conceive that he hath not had justice 
done him, if he ajiply himself to the States General, the other 
party shall be bound to answer for the supposed injury. 

14. If any Dutch living here shall at any time desii-e to travaile 
or trafhque into England or any place or plantation in obedience to 
his Majesty of England, or with the Indians he shall have (upon 
his request to the Governor) a certificate that he is a free denizen 
of this place, and liberty to do so. 

15. If it do appeare that there is a publique engagement of debt 
by the town of Manhatoes and a way agreed on for the satisfying 
of that engagement it is agreed that the same way proposed shall 
go on, and that the engagement shall be satisfied. 

16. All inferior civil officers and magistrates shall continue as 
now they are (if they please) till the customary time of new elec- 
tions, and then new ones to be chosen by themselves, provided that 
such new chosen magistrates shall take the oath of allegiance to 
his Majesty of England before they enter upon their office. 

17. All differences of contracts and bargains made before this 
day, by any in this country, shall be detennined according to the 
manner of the Dutch. 

18. If it do appear that the West India Company of Amsterdam 
do really owe any sums of money to any persons here, it is agreed 
that recognition, and other duties payable by sliips going for the 
Netherlands, be continued for six months longer. 

19. The officers military, and soldiers, shall march out with 
their arms, drums beating, and colors fiying, and lighted matclies ; 
and if any of them will plant, tliey shall have fifty acres of land 
set out for them ; if any of them will serve as servants, they shall 
continue with all safety and become free denizens afterv/ard. 

20. If at any time hereafter the King of Great Britain and the 
States of the Netherlands do agree that this place and country l)e 
redelivered into the hands of the said States, whensoever his 
Majestie will send his commands to redeliver it, it shall immedi- 
ately be done. 

21. That the town of Manhattans shall choose deputyes and 
those deputyes shall have free voyces in all publique affairs as 
much as any other deputyes. 



APPENDIX. 509 

22. Those who have any property in any houses in the fort of 
Aui'Miiia shtill (if they please) sli,n;ht the fortilications there, and 
then injoy all their houses ;is all pe()i)le do where there is no fort. 

2:^ If there be any soldiers that will go into Holland, mid if the 
Company of West India in Aiusterdatii. or any private jjei'sons 
here, will transport them into Holland, tlien the}' shall have a safe 
passport from Colonel Richard Nicolls, deputy governor under 
his I'oyal highness, and the other coiiunissioners, to def(>nd tlie 
ships that shall transport such soldiers, and all the goods in them, 
from any surprizal or acts of hostility to be done by any of his 
Majestie's shijjs or subjects. That the copies of the King's grant 
to his royal highness, and the copy of his royal higliness's (Com- 
mission to Colonel Richaid Nicolls testified by two commissioners 
more and Mr Wiiithrop, to be true copies shall be delivered to the 
Honorable Mr Stuyvesant, the present governor, on Monday next, 
by eight of the clock in the morning, at the old miln and those 
articles consented to and signed by Colonel Richard Nicolls, 
deputy governor to his royal highness, and that within two hours 
after the fort ami town called New Amsterdam, upon the isle of 
Manhatoes shall be delivered into the hands of the said Colonel 
Richard Nicolls, by the service of such as shall be l)y him there- 
unto deputed by his hand and seal. 

.Joiix He Decker Robert C.\rr 

Nicholas Varlett George Cartwrioht 

Samuel Megapolensis Joiix AVixthkop 

CoRXELis Stkexwyck Samuel Willys 

Jacql'ks Cousseau Joiix Pyxciiox 

OlofI"' S. Vax Cortlaxot Tuo.mas Clarke 



I do consent to these articles 



Richard Nicolls. 



KINGSTON PATENT, 1687. 

Thomas Dong an Cap' Generall Governour in Cheife & Vice 
Admirall in and over the Province of New Yorke & Territoryes 
Depending tliereon in America under his most Sacred Majesty 
James tlie Second by the Grace of God of England Scottl"' ffrance 
& Ireland King Defend' of the faith &c. To all whom these Pres- 
ents shall Come Sendeth Greeting Whereas the ffreeholders and 
Inhabitants of a Certaine Place or Towne Called Kingston in the 
County of Ulster in this his Ma"" Province of New Yorke are 
Possessed of Divei's Tracts of Land and Hereditam'" Scituate lyeing 
& being in the County of Ulster aforesaid and whereas the said 
Ifreeholders & Inhabitants of Kingston by their humble Request 
have made itt knowne unto me that the Lands & Hereditam'" afore- 
said whereof they are so in Possession as abovesaid are not Suffi- 
cient ./'or the Support & Maintainance of such a Number of People 
as are already Inhabitants thereof & have therefore made their 
applycacon unto me that I would on the behalfe of his said Majesty 
under the Seale of the Province Grant unto the said ffreeholders 
& Inhabitants of Kingston such other lands being unimproved and 
not already Granted to any other Person or Persons whatsoever as 
might bee fitt & Convenient for them as also that I would Erect 
and make the said ffreeholders and Inhabitants of Kingston afores"* 
and their Successors into one Body Corporate and Politique in 
Name & in Deed with such Powers Libertyes Privilidges & Im- 
munityes as might be Convenient & Necessary as well for the 
Regulating and Well Governing the ffreehold's & Inhabitants of 
Kingston aforesaid as for their well being beinifitt and advantage. 
Now know Y^'ee that I the said Thomas Dongan by virtue of the 
Commission and authority unto me Given by his most Sacred 
Majesty in Consideracon of the Quitt Rents hereinafter Reserved 
and for Diverse other Good Causes & Lawf nil ConsideraCons me 
hereunto moveing I have Granted Rattified and Confirmed & by 
these psents Do Grant Ratitie and Confirme unto Dirick Schepmous 
Jacob Ruttsen Wessell Tenbrooge W" De Meyer Garrett Aertze 
Tunis Elise Benjamine Provoost W"' Legge Jacob Aertson Mattyze 
Mattise W'" Haines and John W"" Hooghten ffreeholders & Inhab- 
itants of Kingston aforesaid hereinafter Erected & made one Body 
Corporate & Politique & Willed & Determined to bee Called by the 



APPEXDIX. 611 

Name of the Trustees of the ffreeholders & Comonalty of the Town 
of Kingston thtMr Heirs & Successors forever all that Tract of 
Land Scitiuite lyeing & being in the Count}' of Ulster afores' that 
is to say to begin att the liounds of the County of Albany thence 
to runn Southward along Hudson's River to Little Esopus Creek 
thence on a West Line to tiie Bounds of Hurly from thence along 
the Bounds of Ilurly to a Certaine Creeke Called ^rotthar Creeke 
thence Northerly to another Certaine Creeke Preemakers Creeke 
thence upon a North line three English Miles into the Woods 
thence the same Course as the Mountaines Range to the Bounds of 
Albany aforesaid and from thenoe along the said Bounds to Hud- 
son's River together with all & Singuler the Messuages Houses 
Tenem" Buildings Mills Mill Dams Lands Ifencings Inclosures 
Clardeus Orchards Meadows fields Pastures Woods Underwoods 
Trees Timber (Teedings Comon of Pasture ^farshes Swamps Plaines 
Rivers Rivoletts Waters Lakes Ponds Brooks Streams Quarryes 
Mines Mineralls (Royall Mines only excepted) Creeks Harbors ffish- 
ing hawlving hunting & fowleing as also all Rents Services Wasts 
Strayes Royalties I'rivilidges Imniunityes ffranchizes Rights Mem- 
bers and appurtences and all other Easements ffranchises Proffitts 
(^ommodityes & Eaiolum" & Here.litameuts whatsoever to the said 
Tract of Land and Premissess belonging or in anj^ wise appurtaine- 
ing or any time heretofore therewithal! used accepted Deemed 
Reputed or taken as Pai't or Parcell thereof to have & to hold all 
the before recited Tra(^t of Land & Premissess with all & every 
the Hereditam" & appurtences unto the said Dirick Schepmous 
Jacob Ruttsen Wessell Tenbrook William De Meyer Garet Aertze 
Tunise Elisie Benjamin Provost W'" Legg Jacob Aertzen Martyze 
Martise W" Haines & .John Williams Hogghten the Trustees of 
the Freeholders & Commonality of Kingston aforesaid their Heirs 
and Successors forever to the Sole & only Proper use benefitt & 
behoofe of them the s'd Dirick Schepmous Jacob Ruttsen Wessell 
Tenbrooge W'" De Myer Garret Aertze Tunisse Elise Benjamin 
Provoost W" Legg Jacob Aertzen Martyze ^lai'tise W" Haines & 
John Williams Hooghfen the Trustees of the freeholders & Com- 
monality of Kingston abovesaid their Heires & Successors forever 
to bee holden of his said ^W" his Heirs & Successors in free & 
Comon Soccage according to the Tenure of East Greenwich in the 
County of Kent in his Majestyes Kingdom of England Yeilding 
Rendi'ing and Paying therefore Yearly ct every Yeare forever unto 
his most Sacred Majesty his Heirs it Successors or to such Officer 
or officers as from time to time shall be appointed authorized to 
Receive the same one hundred & fouer Biishells of Good Sweett 
Merchantable Winter Wheat on the five it twenty th Day of the 
Month of March att the Citty of New Yorke in Liew & Stead of all 



r)12 APPENDIX. 

Services Dutyes & Demands whatsoever Provided alwayes and it 
is the true intent & meaning of these Presents that this Present 
Grant nor anything herein Contained shall ever be Construed or 
Extend to enervate hurt or Distroy any the Right Title Intrest 
Property Clayrae & Demand of any Perticuler Person or Persons 
holding Claimeing or Demanding any Lands Tenements or Here- 
ditam'-^ witliiii the Limitts and Bounds aforesaid by vii'tue of any 
former Grant or Pattent whatever any thing herein before menconed 
or Exprest to tlie Contrary hereof in any wise Notwithstanding 
Provided also that this Grant nor any Clause Matter or thing 
therein Contained shall bee Construed meant intended or extend 
to Give any Power authority Right or Title to the said Trustees of 
the Freeholders of the Commonality of Kingston aforesaid their 
Heirs or Successors or to any person or Persons whatsoever to Im- 
pose Levy take Perceive or Receive any Toll Custome Tax or other 
Imposicon upon any Highway or Road that now is iised Occupied 
& Enjoyed or that herea,fter by Due Course of the Law shall be 
Laid out within the Bounds & Limitts before Exprest or thereby 
to Incumber or Charge any Person or Persons Waines Carts Wag- 
gons or Carriages Whatever butt that the same shall bee and are 
hereby fully freely and absolutely therefrom Cleared and Dis- 
charged as if this Grant and all and every Clause matter and thing 
therein had never been Executed and made And fui'ther by Virtue 
of tlie Power & Authority to me the said Thomas Dongan Given 
as aforesaid and in Persuance of the same and for the Reasons and 
Consideracons above Recited I liave Willed Determined Declared 
and Granted & by these Presents Do Will Determine Declare and 
Grant that the said Inhabitants & ffreeholders the ffreemen of 
Kingston aforesaid Commonly Called by tlie Name of the ffree- 
holders & Inhabitants of the Town of Kingston or by whatever 
name or names they are Called or Named & their Successors forever 
hence forward are & shall be one Body Corporate & Politique in 
Deed & Name and by Name of the Trustees of the ffreeholders and 
Comonality of the Towne of Kingston one Body Corporate & 
Politique in Deed and Name I have Realy and fully for his said 
Ma'"" his Heirs and Successors Erected made Ordained Constituted 
and Declared by these Psents and that by the same Name they 
have Succession forever and that they & their Successors by the 
Name of the Trustees of the ffreeholders & Commonalty of the 
Towne of Kingston bee & shall be for ever in future times Persons 
able & Capable in Law to have Perceive Receive & Possesse not 
only all & Singuler the Premissess butt other Messuages Lands 
Tennem" Privilidges Jurisdicons ffranchizes & Hereditam" of 
whatsoever kjnde Nature Quality or Species they shall be to them 
& their Successors in ffee for ever or for the ternie of a Yeare or 



APPENDIX. 513 

Yeares or otherwise whatsoever manner itt bee and also Goods 

Chattels & all other thiniis of whatsoever Name Nature Quality or 
Species they shall bee to them &, their Successors and also to Give 
& Grant Release alien assigne & Dispose of Lands Tennem" Here- 
dittam" & all & every other thiu.i,^ & things Act & Acts to Dot; & 
Execute by the Name aforesaid and that l)y the same Name of the 
Trustees of the Freeholders & Commonality of the Towne of King- 
ston to Plead & bee Impleaded answer and be answered unto De- 
fend & bee Defended they are & may bee Capable in whatsoever 
Place & Places and before whatsoever Judges & Justices or other 
Persf)ns or officers of his said Ma"" his Heirs and Successors in all 
and all jnanner of accons Plaints Sujts Complaints Causes Matters 
& Demands whatsoever of what Kind Quality & Species the same 
bee and shall bee in manner & forme as any other of his Ma"' Leige 
People within this Province Can or are able to have liecpiire Re- 
ceive Possesse Enjoye Retaine (ii\e Grant Release alieiie assigne 
& Dispose Plead and bee Impleaded answin- and bee answered 
unto Defend & be Defended Do Permitt or execut(i and for the 
better enabling the Trustees of the ifreeholdei's t\r Commonality of 
the Towne of Kingston aforesaid in Doeing and Executing all ami 
Singuhn- the Premissess I liave Willed Giaiite(l & DetermiiieHl aiui, 
by these Presents Doe Will Grant & Deternune that from hence 
forward & for ever hereafter the said Trustees of the ffreeholders 
& Comonality of the Towne of Kingston Doe and wat/ have and 
use a Common Seale which shall serve to Execute the Causes and 
affaires wliatsoever of them and their Successors And further I will 
and by these Presents in behalfe of his said Majesty his Heirs and 
Successors Do Grant that hence forward for ever more there bee & 
shall bee Trustees of the Freeholders & Commonality of the Town 
of Kingston aforesaid to be Chosen & Elected as in these Presents 
hereafter is menconed who shall be & shall bee Called the Trustees 
of the Freeholders & Commonality of the Towne of Kingston & 
their Successors shall & may att all Convenient times hereafter 
upon a Publick Summons to be obtained att the request of any 
three of tlie Freeholders and Commonality aforesaid from any of 
his Ma"' Justices of the Peace of the said Towne or Default thereof 
from any of the Justices of the County of Ulster for the time being 
assemble & meett together in the Towne house of the said Towne 
or in such other Publique Place as shall from time to time ap- 
pointed to make sucli acts & Orders in Writeing for the more 
orderly Doeing of the Premissess as they the said Trustees of the 
ffreeholders and Commonality of the Towne of Kingston aforesaid 
& their Successors froin time to time shall and may think Con- 
venient soe alwayes as the said Acts & Orders bee in noe wayes 
Repugnant to the Ljiws of England & of this Province which now 
33 



514 APPENDIX. 

are or hereafter may be established and that they bee not in any 
wise against the true intent & meaning of these Presents and also 
I will ordaine & Determine that all and Singuler ye aforesaid Acts & 
orders from time to time shall be made and ordei'ed bj^ the vote of 
the Major Part of the said Trustees of the ffreeholders & Com- 
monality of the Towne of Kingston aforesaid or att Least by the 
Major Parte of such of them as shall from time to time assemble & 
meete together in manner aforesaid so alwayes their be not fewer 
in Number then Seven of the said Trustees psent att such meetings 
so to be held as aforesaid and for the better Execuoon of this Grant 
in this behalfe I have assigned Nominated Created Constituted & 
made & by these Presents Doe assigne Nominate Create Constitute 
& make Dirick Schepmous Jacob Ruttsen Wessell Tenbroogg W'" 
De Meyer Gerret Aertze Tunis EUise Benjauiine Provoost W"" Legg 
Jacob Aertze Martyze Martisse W'" Haines & John Williams 
Hooghten to Stand & Bee the first Moderne Trustees of the Free- 
holders untill the time that others be Elected & Chosen in their 
Stead & Place according to the mannor & ft'orme herein after 
Expressed and moreover I do by these Presents for and on behalfe 
of his most Sacred Majesty aforesaid his Heirs & Snccessors ap- 
point that the Trustees of the ffreeholders & Comonality of the 
Towne of Kingston Constahles & Assessors within the Towne of 
Kingston aforesaid bee Yearly Chosen on the first Tuesday in 
March forever (viz') that twelve Trustees of the fl'reeholders & 
Commonality of the Towne of Kingston three Constables & three 
Assessors within the Towne of Kingston aforesaid bee Yearly 
Chosen in such Publick Place as the Trustees for the time being 
shall appoint & Direct and that the Trustees Constables & Asses- 
sors be Chosen by the Majority of Yojces of the ffreeholders & 
ffreemen of the Towne of Kingston aforesaid and furtlier I the said 
Thomas Dongan Do Hereby Grant unto the said Trustees of the 
ffreeholders & Commonalty of the said Towne of Kingston & to 
their successors forever and I do hereby Will Determine & Ordaine 
that Yearly & every Yeare forever att the time tt Place before 
menconed & Exprest out of the said twelve Trustees to be 30 
Chosen as aforesaid five Persons shall be Elected and ap])ointed in 
manner before Recited who shall and are hereby authorized Com- 
missionated & Empowered to hold Pleas of Debt & Tresspass in 
the same manner and with the same Powers authorityes Privi- 
lidges & Libertyes as in & by the Laws & Statutes of this his 
Ma"° Province the Commissioners of the Respective townes within 
the same have hold use & Enjoy and that of the said five Persons 
there shall alwayes be three att the least tliat shall hold & the 
Court and Pleas aforesaid And Lastly I Give & Grant for & on 
behalfe of his Ma''"' his Heirs & Successors by these Presents to all 



APPENDIX. SW 

& every pson and Pereons & to wliatsoever Person Subject to his 
said Ma""' liis Jfeires and Successors iTree & Lawfull Power Ability 
& Authority tliat tliey or any of them any Messua<;es Tenneni" 
Lands Meadows fTeediii.a;s Pastures Woods Underwoods Rent Rents 
Reversions Services & otlier llereditain" whatsoever witlnn the 
saUl County of Ulster which they llokl of his said Ma"'' liis Ileires 
& Successore unto the aforesaid Trustees of the ffreeliolders & 
Commonality of the Towne of Kingston & their Successors and 
(iive Grant Bargaine Sell tt alienate to have hold &' Kajoy unto the 
said Trustees of the ifreeholders & Conunonality of the Towne of 
Kingston & their Successors forever Yeilding & Paying therefore 
unto his said Ma"" his Ileires and Successors on the said live & 
twcutytii Day of March Yearly & Every Yeare forever the full & 
just Sunie of one Shilling Curr" mony of this Province att New 
Yorke wherefore by Virtue of tlie Power & Authority aftn-esaid I 
I)t) Will and Couiand for & on hehall'e of his said Maj"' his Ileires 
& Successors that The aforesaid Trustees of the ffreeholders & 
Comonality of the Towue of Kingston & their Successors liave liold 
use & eiijoye and that they siiall and ///a// forever have hold use & 
Enjoye all the Libertyes Authorityes Customs Orders Ordinances 
francliises A])purtenances Lands Tennem" and Hereditaui" Goods 
& Cliattles aforesaid according to the tenure & Effect of these Pres- 
ents in Testimony whereof I have Caused these Presents to be 
entred upon Record in the Secivtarys Oflice and the Scale of the 
Province to be hereunto aflixed this 19 day of May 1087 and in the 
third Yeare of his Ma"' Reigne 

Tiio : DONGAN. 

May it Please Yo' Excelly. 

The Attourny Gen" liath Perused this Grant & finds nothing 
therein Contained Prejuiliciall to liis Ma"' lutrest. 

W. NiCDLLS. 

Examd November y'' first ICiST. 

Att a Councill held" att ffort James thirsday the 17th May 1688. 
Present His Excelly the Goveruo' 

Major BiiocKiioi.LS 
Major Ba.xtkr 
Major Phillips 
Major CourLANDT 
INlajor BvAUO 
M' Jas Gkaham 

This Pattent was approved off — 

J. Knight D : Sec^. 



616 APPENDIX. 

I do hereby Certify the aforegoing to be a true Copy of the 
Original Record. The Word the .5th line page 319 written 
on a Razure. And as in said Record there being a word 
obliterated in the 11th line of Page 325. Compared there- 
with By Me 

Lewis A. Scott, Sea-etary. 



AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. 

Genehal association signed by the freeholders and inhahitantvS 
of Kingston, Ulster County, being- similar to that adopted and 
sif;;ned by the members of the Provlneial Congress, including the 
delegates from lUster County — to wit : Jaines Clint(m, Johannis 
Hardenbergh, Egbert Dumond, Christoiilier Tappen, John Nicliol- 
son, and Jacob Hoornbeek. 

Nole. — The signatures are not inserted in the order \\\ which 
they appear on the original, but they have been placed in alpha- 
betical order for convenience of reference. 

Persuaded that the salvation of the riglits and libm-ties of 
America depends, under God, on the firm union of its Inhabitants 
in a vigorous iirosecution of the measures necessary for its safety ; 
and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and con- 
fusion which attend the dissolution of the powers of Government 
we the Freemen Freeholders and Iidiabitants of the town of King- 
ston Ulster County being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of 
the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the 
bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts Jiay do in the most 
solemn manner, Resolve never to become slaves ; and do associate 
under all the ties of Religion, honour and love to our country, to 
adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatever measures 
may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved 
ujMUi by our Provincial Convention, for the ]Mirpose of ])reserving 
our Constitution, and opi)osing the execution of the several arbi- 
trary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament until a recon- 
ciliation between Great Britain and America on constitutional 
principles (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained and 
that we will in all things follow the advice of our General Com- 
mittee respecting the purposes aforesaid the preservation of Peace 
and good order and safety of individuals and private proi)erty. 

Jolm Allen, James Allen, David Aucmmly, .John Addison, Pierre Anelon, Captain 
Evert Boir;irdus, Petrus Boianlus. Pclnis UoiranUis, .Jr.; Xicholas HoL'ardus, Isaac 
Hiirlians, HIcliard Hiirhans, John Burhans, Corniliiis Hurhans, Samuel JSurhans, Baront 
Burhans, Edward Burhans, John J. Burhans, Jan Burhans, Samuel Burhans, Petrus 
Burhans, Jacob Burhans, Johannis Besiiner, Jacohus Besimer, .Turen Bear, Adam Bear, 
Jacobus S. Bruyn, Cornells Beekman, Jolin Beekman, Tjerck Beeknian, Johannis 
Backer, Jacob Backer, Ilendrick Backer, Petrus Backker, John Brink, John Brinck, 
Jr.; Petrus Brinck, Cornelis J. Brink, Cornells C. Brink, Jacob Brink, Petrus C. Brink, 



518 APPENDIX. 

Francis Bedan, Johan Michel Berger, Abner Brush, Johannis Beyman, Nicholas Britt, 
Hendrick Britt, Peter Britt, Moses C'antiue, Moses Cantine, Jr.; William Coleman, 
Cornelis Conway, Jr. ; Michel Connolly, Joseph Chip, John Cliipp, Elisha Clark, John 
Carman, David Cox, William Austin Cox, AVendcll Crimer. Seth Curtis, Johannis Carter, 
Jacob Conyers, (jcorge Calle, Joshua Dubois, Jeremiah Dubois, Jacobus Dubois, Samuel 
Dubois, William Dubois, llezekiah Dubois, Ilezekiah Dubois, Jr.; Johannis N. Dubois, 
Jacobus Dubois. Johannis Dubois, Johannis J. Dubois, David Dubois, Chai'les Doyl, 
Lucas Dewitt, Jan Devvitt, Tjerck C. Dcwitt, Johannis Devvitt, Jr.; Andries Dewitt, Jr.; 
Jans Dewitt, Petrus Dewitt, Cornelis D. Dewitt, Arie Dewitt, William Davenport, John 
Davenport, Abraham Davenport, Sampson Davis, Cornelis Dumond, Peter Duniond. 
Peter Dumond, Jr.; John Dumond, John Dumond, Jr.; Jacobus Dumond, Philip 
Dumond, John P. Dumond, Egbert Dumond, Hcndricus Degraef, Johannis Degraef, 
Jurrie W. Dederiek, Jacobus Dedcrick, William Dederick, Jr.; Matthew Dederick, 
Johannis Dederick, Myndert Dederick, Abraham Dederick, Gysbcrt Deilerick, John 
Delamater, Abraham J, Dclaniatter, Abraham Delametter, Jr.; Benjamin Delamctter, 
David Delametter, Abraham.!. Delametter, John Durnare, Benjamin Demej-er, Jeremiah 
Demyer, Christiaen Dull, Petrus Elsworth, William Elsworth, Frederick Eijgcnaer, 
William Eijgenaer, Jacob Eijgcnaer, Johannis Eij.genaer, Petrus Eijgenaer, Cornelius 
Eijgenaer, Peter Eyganaer, William Evans, John Elmendorph, Coenradt C. Elmendorph, 
Petrus Elmendorph, Cornelis Elmendorph, Benjamin Elmendorph, Jan Elmendorph, 
Abraham Elmendorph, Jacobus Elmendorph, Petrus Eliuendorph, Coenradt Jan Elmen- 
dorph, Cornelis Elmendorph, Jr.; Jacobus Elmendorph, Gcrrit Elmendorph, C^oenraedt 
G. Elmeijdorph, Ariegicilsie Elmendorph, Gcrrit Coenraedt Elmendorph, Coenraedt 
Cornelis Elmendorph, Coenraedt Jacobus Elmendorph, Jonathan Elmendorph, Wilhelmus 
Emerigh, Johannis Emerigh, William Eltinge, William Eltinge, Jr.; Thomas Eltinge, 
itendricus Eltinge, Jacobus Eltinge, Solomon Eckert, Jr.; Miclicl Eenhart, John Ellis, 
Christian Fiero, Christian Fiero, Jr.; Stephanus Fiero, Hendrick Fiero, Hendrick P. 
Freligh, Peter Frcligh, Samuel Frcligh, John Freligh, Johannis Freer, Abraham Freer, 
Solomon Freer, Solomon Freer, Jr., John Freer, Jacob Freer, Gerrit Freer, Anthony 
Freer, Samuel Freer, Jan Freer, Philip Felten, Johannis Felton, Jacob Felton, Benjamin 
Felton, Petrus Felton, Johannis Felter, Jr.; John Fender, James Foran, Jacob Frans, 
Jacob Frans, Jr.; Jeronijmus Gcrrensy, James Gregg, Charles Gyles, Joseph Gasherie, 
Daniel Graham, Elias Hasbrouck, Abraham A. Hasbrouck, Solomon Hasbrouck, 
Colonel Al)raham Hasbrouck, Abraham Hasbrouck, Jr.; Martyanus Huinmcll, Jerrie 
Hummell, Jr.; Hermanns Hummell, Peter Hunimell. Johannis J. Hununell, Jacob 
Hendrieksc, Jacob Hendrickse, son of Frans ; Johannis Hendrickse, Phillip Hendrick.se, 
Abraham Holfman, Anthony Hoffman, Anthony A. Hoffman, Jol-.n Hoghteling, 
Wilhelmus T. Hoghteling, Thomas Hogliteling, Tunis Hoghteling, Wilhelmus Hoghtel- 
itig, A\'ilhelraus W. Hoghteling, Jeremiah Hoghteling, Jacob Heernianse, John Hermans, 
Abraham Hcrmanse, Peter Plodler, Michel Hoof, Michel Human, Jacob L. Hornbeek, 
James Jones, Johannis J. Jansen, Matthias Jansen, Cornelis Jansen, Jr.; Johannis 
Jansen, Ephraim .laiisen, Henry Jansen, Jeremiah Klaarwater. Coenradt Krook, JNIartha 
Krook, Lawrence Kicver, Baltus Kiever. AVilliam Kievcr. Johannis Kroce, Wilhelmu.s 
Kicrstaede, Luke Kierstacde, Nicholas Kierstaede. Christoffel Kierslaede, John Kallon, 
Jacob Kline, Daniel Lucas, John J. Low, Peter Low, Bcuiamiu Low, Abraham C. 
Low, John Low, Abraham E. Low, Jacobus Low, Abraham Low, Abraham Low, Jr.; 
Cornelis Langcndijck, Luijker Langendijck, VV^illiam Legg, Samuel Legg, George 
La.ssing. William Litts, Jacob Marius Grocn, Jacob Marius Groen, Jr.; William Marius 
Groen, Peter Marius Groen, Silvester Marius Groen, Dederick Matcrstock, Adam Mater- 
stock, Jacob Matcrstock, William Matcrstock, Johannis Matcrstock, Jacobus Montanie, 
Benjamin Mastcn, Ezekel Masten, Johannis C. Masten. Johannis B. Mastcn, Cornelius B. 
Masteii, Samuel Slaslen, Johannis Masten, Cornelis Masten, Abraham ]\[aslen, Benjamin 
Masten, Jr, ; Abraham jMasfcn, Jr. ; Henry JListen, Cornelis Marten, Andrew McFarland, 
Jesaias Meyer, Benjamin Jleyer, Benjamin Meyer, Jr.; Hcndricus jNIeyer, Christian 
Meyer, William Meyer, Pettus Meyer, Johaimis Meyer, Jr.; Petrus Aleyer, Jr.; Petrus 
Low Meyer, Samuel Meyer, Toliiits- Meyer, William J. Meyer, Johannis Meyer, Jr.;. 



APPENDIX. T)!!) 

Tobias Meyer, Teunis Jleyer. Stophainis Meyer, Peter .1. Meyer, Jaeob Jlowers,- 
Juhannis Mowers, Jr.; Pelrus Mowers, Leonard Mowers, Nieliolas Mowers, Jolianuia 
Miller, Nieliolas Miller, Clirislophel Miller, John Monk, Harmon Minkelaer, Mynderl 
Mymlerse, John MeKinney, John MeKarly, John MeLean, Hobert Sronl^oniery, Arie 
Newkirk, Jaeobiis Newkirk, Charles Newkirk, Cornelis A. Newkirk, Jan L. Osteihoiidt. 
Abraham Oslerhouilt, John ('. Osterlioudl. Pelrus P. Oslerhoudt, Jr.; llendriekiis Osler- 
houdt, SamiK-l Oslerhoudt, Williiim Oslerhoudt, IIiMidiiekus Oslerhoudt, Jr.; James 
OslcrhoudI, lieiij.imiu Oslerhoudt. Pelrus h. Oslerhoudt. Jo.sepb Oslerhoudt. James P. 
Osterhoudl. Pelrus OslerlioudI, Cornelis Persen, Joliannis Per.sen, Jaeobus Perscn. John 
J. Perscn. Mallhews Persen, Adam Perseu, James Piekken, Jacob Pulver, Abraham 
Post, Jacobus Post, Cornelis Post, Martynus Post, Jacobus Post, Jan Post, Isaak Post. 
Hendriek Post, William Pliccni.x, Jeremiah ParccU, Henry Parcelo. Peter Hou'ijen. Kranlz 
P. Rojt'ren, Jurrie \V. Hichlmeyer, Johannis Richtmeyer, Coenraedt Uechlineyer, Her- 
manns Kcclitmeyer, John Row, Sr. ; Lodewiek RocssoU, Hendriek Bnyder, Marllm 
Snyder, Benjamin Snyder, Abraham Snyder, Isaae Snyder, Jeremiah Snyder, Marlijnus 
Snyder, Jr.; Johannis M. Snyder, Pelrus Snyder, Johannes Snyder, Egbert Selioon- 
maker, Peler Schooinnaker, Kgbert Selioonmaker, Samuel Schoonmaker, Edward 
Sehoonmaker, Hczekiah Dubois Schoonmaker, Hendricus Schooinnaker. Hendriek 
Schoonmaker, Eilward Sehoonmaker, son of Tjerek ; TjiTck Schoonmaker, David 
Schoonmaker. Tjerek Selioonmaker, Jr.; He/ekiah Sehoonmaker, John E. Sclioon- 
maker, Cornelis Swart, Cornelis L. Swart, Renjamin Swarl, Adam Swart, Samuel 
Swart, Wilhelmus Swart, Petriis Swart, Phillip Swart, Tobias Swart, Hendriek Slaals. 
Laurence Saulisbury, Gilbert Saxon, Augustinus Shoe, Jerijniias Shoe, William Sawyer, 
Solomon Skull. Solomon Skull, Jr.; John Sehepmoes, William Sehepmoes, Adiim Short. 
Oke Siulam, George Sjiarling, Jolin Sparling, Pelrus Sax, Alabartus Sehryven, Marlijnus 
Sehryven, Stephanus Sehryven. Johannis Sehryven, John Smedes. P<'lrus Sniedes, Pelrus 
Smedes, Jr.; Teunis Sleght, Henjamin Sleglil, Hendricus H. Sleehl, Hendrieus Sleelit, 
Johannis Sleeiit, Pelrus Sleehl. Hendiieus J. Sleehl, llemlrick Turk, Henjamin Turk, 
Jacob Tink, Abraham Turk, Jae<ib Trimper, William Thompson, Wessel Ten Hroek, 
Wessel Ten Brock, Jr. ; Cornelis Ten Brock. Benjamin Ten Brock. Coenradi Ten ]5roek, 
Jaeob Ten Brock. John Trompour, ^lallhew Edward Trompoiir, William Teerjienning, 
Jnrryann Tappan, ChrislolTel Tappan. Cornells Van Keuren, Jr.; Gerril Van Keuren. 
Abraham Van Keun'U, Abraham Van Keuren, Jr.; JIallliias Van Keuren, iiatlhew Van 
Keuren, Jr.; Cornelius jM. Van Keuren, Johannis J. Van Keuren, Phillip Van Keuren, 
Johannis Van Keuren, Hezekiah Van Keuren, Isaac Van Aken, Peter Van Aken, Ben- 
jamin Van Aken, Gideon Van Aken, Pelrus Van Aken, Elipha/. Van Aken, Jlarjorius 
Van Aken, Jan Van Aken, Abraham Van Aken, Abraham G. Van Aken, Nicholas 
Vanderlyn, Tobias Van Buren. Philip Van Buren, Slallhew Van Buren, Cornelis Viele, 
Pliilli](Us Viele. John Valkcnburgh. Christian Valkeiiburgh. Isaac \'an Wagonen, Isaaek 
Van W.'igonen, Jr. ; I'eler Van Leuveii, John \:m Leu\cn, Jr.; Andries Van Leuveii. 
William Van Cleef. Jaeobus Van Gaasbeek. Thomas Van (Jaasbeek, Abraham W. Van 
Gaasbeek, .Vbraham Van (taasbe<k. John Van Gaasbeek. Laurence Van Ga;isbeek. William 
Van Gaasbeek, Johannis Valek, Jr.; Wilhelm Valek. .Varonhoudt Valek, Solomon Van 
Been.selioten, Jaeob Van Beensehoten, Johannis Van Bten.schoten, John Van Sleenbergh, 
Pelrus Van Sleenbergh, Abraham T. Van Sleenbergh. Abraham Van Sleenbergh, Tobias 
Van Sleenbergh, Jr.; Mallhew Van Sleenbergh, Benjamin Van Sleenbergh, Hendrieus 
Van Sleenbergh, Jaeobus Van Ellen, Johannis Van Ellen, .\rie Van Ellen, Abraham 
Van Vliel, Johannis Van Vliet, Jan Van Vliet, Tjerek Van Vliel, Wilhelm Vollandl, 
Anthony L. Van Sehaiiyek, Joseph West, Peler West, Samuel Whillakcr, Peler Whil- 
tilker, Jaeobus Whillakcr, Benjamin Whitlaker, Barcnl Whillakcr, Janus J. Whill.iker, 
William WhiUaker. Jr.; Abraham Whillakcr. John Whitlaker, Jr.; Philip Whilakcr, 
John Whillakcr, William Whitlaker, Edward Whitlaker. James Whitlaker, Jr.; 
Johannis Woltin. Johannis Woltin. Jr.; Samuel Woltin. Godfrey Wollin. Hendriek 
Woltin, Jeremiah Woltin, Jaeobus Wollin, Wilhelmus Woltin, John Woltin, Laurence 
AVinne, Peler A. W'innc, Arent Winnc, Benjamin Winne, Johannis WiesI, Pelrus 
Wiest, Jan Wells, Hendricus Wells, Cornelius Wells, Johannis Weaver, John Walker, 



520 APPENDIX. 

Evert Wynkoop, Peter Wynkoop, Hezekiah Wynkoop, Tobias Wynkoop, Cornelius E. 
Wynkoop, William Wynkoop, Dirck Wynkoop, Jr.; Johannis Wynkoop, James Welch, 
Jurryaun Young, Jobn Young, Jeremiah Young. 

In pursuance of a resolve of the Provincial Congre.ss of the 
Colony of New York dated the 29th day of May 1775 we the com- 
mittee of the Corporation of Kingston in the County of Ulster, do 
hereby certify that the above list or roll contains all the persons' 
names who have signed the General Association within the Cor- 
poration of King.ston ; also annexed list returned to us, containing 
the names of a troop of horse, who reside in different parts of the 
said County ; and also a list on the back hereof of the persons' 
names who have refused to sign the said Association. All which, 
with humble submission, we herewith return to the Provincial 
Congress aforesaid. 

Dated at Kingston this 1st day of July 1775 bj' order of the 
Committee 

Johannes Slegiit Chairman. 



SIGNERS IN THE TROOP OF HORSE IN ULSTER COUNTY, DATED IN 
KINGSTON, JUNE 9, 1775. 

Philip Hoghteling, Captain ; Silvester Salisbury, First Lieutenant ; Peter Menderse, 
Second Lieutenant ; C. C. Newkirk. Cornet ; Cornelius .1. Dubois, First Quartermaster ; 
James Roe, Second Qu.artermaster ; Abncr Houghteling, Clerk ; Petrus Brinck, Ben- 
jamin Bruyn, Abraham Burlians, Daniel Broadhcad, Tobias Du Bnis. Anthony Diimond, 
Cornelius .1. Depue, Benjamin Depue, Jr.; Petrus Du Bois, William De Witt, John J. 
Du Bois, Isaac C. Davis, Jacobus F. Davis, Jacob Elmendorph, Jr.; Gerrit Elmendorph, 
.Jr.; Jonathan Elmendorpli, Jr.; Johannis Ealigh, Jury Folland, James Hamilton, 
Martinus Hummel, Jr. ; John Hasbrouck, Wilhelraus Houghteling, Jr. ; Benjamin Krom, 
Petrus J. Keator, Tjerck Low, John Mynderse, Johannis Merkel, Phillip Newkirk, Arie 
Newkirk, Petrus Ed. Osterhout, Johannis H. Osterhout, Edward Osterhout, Petrus P. 
Osterhout, Moses Pater.son, Petrus Smith, Felten Smith, Benjamin B. Sehonnmaker, 
Johannis Turck, Abraham Ten Broeck, Jacobus Van Waggenen, Abraham Van Wagen- 
nen, Jr.; Frederick Vandermerken, Jr.; Adam Wolfin. 

Kingston, June 9, 1775. 

A LIST OF THE PERSONS WHO HAVE REFUSED TO SIGN THE GEN- 
ERAL ASSOCIATION. 

Jan Laurence Bogh. William Burhans, Johannis Burhans, Adam B.artolomews, John 
Cox. Jr.; Benjamin Dewitt, Benjamin Delamelor, Jr.; Richard Davenport, Jacob 
Dewitt, Owen Daily, Stephanus Eckert, William Ealigh, Andries Ealigh. William Fiero, 
.\braham Hommel, Peter Luecks, John Luecks, Josias Minklaer. Joliannis Plank, 
Johannis Plank, Jr.; Johannis How, Frederick Row, Jr.; Albartus Sheyter, Johan 
Samuel Selioonniaker. Johannes Smith, Petrus Schooumaker, Jr. ; Jacob Trompour, Paul 
Trompour, Johannis Trompour, Nicholas Trompour, Mattheus York, John York. 



APPENDIX. 



521 



OFFICERS OF ULSTER COUNTY ItEGI>rENTS, THE COMMISSIONS OF THE 
FIELD OFFICERS RESPECTIVELY DATED OCTOBER 25tli, 1775. 



Colonel. Jolmnnis Ilanlenbcrgh. 
Lieutcnant-Colonil, Alinilmm IIa.sbrouck. 
Major, Jolianiii.s Snyilor. 

" Jonatliiin Elmciidorph. 
Adjutant, Polrus I. Elmcndorph. 
QuartermastLT, Abraham A. Ilasbrouck. 



Colonel, James Clinton. 
Lieutenant-Colonel. James McClaughry. 
Major, Jacob Newkirk. 

Moses Phillips. 
Adjutant, George Denniston. 
Quartermaster, Alexander Trimble. 



Colonel. Levi Pawling. 
Lieutenant-Colonel. Jacob Iloornbcck. 
Major, Johannis C'lntine. 
" Joseph llasbroiKtk. 
Adjutant, David Bevier. 
Quartermaster, Jacobus Bruyn, Jr. 

Colonel, Jonathan Hasbrouek. 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Johannis Ilardenbcrgh. 

Jr. 
Major, Johannis Janscn, Jr. 

" Lewis Dubois. 
Adjutant, Abraham Schoonmaker. 
Quartermaster, Isaac Belknap. 



ROLL OF THE OFFICERS ELECTED IX THE SEVER.VL DISTRICTS OR 
BEATS IN THE TOWN OF KINGSTON, ULSTER COUNTY. AGREE- 
ABLE TO THE RESOLVES OF THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 



Be.\t No. 1. 

Evert Boiranlu.5. Captain. 
Daniel Graham, First Lieutenant. 
Anthony Frere. Second Lieutenant. 
Johannis Perscn, Ensign. 

Beat No. 2. 
Moses Cantine. Jr., Captain. 
Philip Swart, First Lieutenant. 
Abraham G. Van Aken. Second Lieutenant. 
Hendricus Tarepenning, Ensign. 

Beat No. 3. 
Matthew Dcdrick, Captain. 
Evert Wynkoop, .Ir.. First Lieutenant. 
Petrus Eygenaer, Second Lieutenant. 
Hendrick Myer, Ensign. 



Be.\t No. 4. 
John L. Dewitt. Captain. 
Petrus Oosterhoudt, First Lieutenant. 
Tobias Myer, .Second Lieutenant. 
Petrus Brink, Ensign. 

Be.^t No. 5. 
Luea-s Dewitt, Captain. 
Jeremiah .Snyder, Fir.st Lieutenant. 
Petrus Backer, Second Lieuteuaut. 
Petrus West, Ensign. 

Beat No. G. 
Hendrik Schoonmaker, Captain. 
Edward Schoonmaker, First Lieutenant. 
Edward Whiltakcr, Second Lieutenant. 
Isaac Burhaus, Ensign. 



Tlie above is a true copy of the returns made to the Committee 

of Kingston by 

Joseph Gasiierie. 

Commissions issued October 2oth, ITT."). 



RETURN OF A COMPANY OF HORSE IN THE TOWN OF KINGSTON. 

IX ULSTER COUNTY. 

Philip Houghteling, Captain ; 
Sylvester Salisbury, First Lieutenant ; 
Petrus Myndertse. Second Lieutenant ; 
Cornelius C. Newkirk. Cornet ; 
Cornelius J. Du Hois, First tjuarlerm.ister ; 
James Roe, Second Quartermaster. 



Commissions dated October 25th, 1775. 



522 



APPENDIX. 



ROLL OF OFFICERS IN THE REGBIENT WHEREOF LEVI PAWLING IS 

TO BE COLONEL. 

of the town of marbletown. 

First Company. 



Captain, Cornelius E. Wynkoop. 
Fir.st Lieutenant, Charles W. Brodliead. 
Second Lieutenant, Moses M. Cantine. 
Ensign, Jacob Chambers. 



Second Company. 

Captain, Frederick Schoonmakcr, Jr. 
First Lieutenant. Benjamin Louw. 
t:>econd Lieutenant, Jacobus Rosekrans. 
Ensign, John C. De Witt. 



OF THE TOWN OF ROCHESTER. 



First Company. 

Captain, Petrus Schoonmaker. 
First Lieutenant, Pliilip Hoornbeck. 
Second Lieutenant, Cornelius Harden- 
. bergh. 
Ensign, D_yrck Westbrooke. 

Second Company. 

Captain, Andries Bc^vier. 

First Lieutenant, Richard Brodhead. 



Second Lieutenant, Reuben De Witt. 
Ensign, Johannes A. De Witt. 



Third Co.mpant. 



Jr. 



Captain, .Tochem Schoonmaker, 

First Lieutenant, John Depuy. 

Second Lieutenant, Cornelius Van Wag- 

onen. 
Ensign, Zacharias Rosekrans. 



of the town of new paltz. 
First Company. Second Company. 



Captain, Lewis J. Du Bois. 
First Lieutenant, John A. Hardenbergh. 
Second Lieutenant, JIatthew Lefevre. 
Ensign, JMethu.salem Du Bois. 



Captain, Jacob Ilasbrouck, Jr. 
First Lieutenant, Abraham Deyoe, Jr. 
Second Lieutenant. Petrus Hasbrouck. 
Ensign, Samuel Bevier. 



The following is a copy of a statement found among the old 
papers of Peter Marins Groen, who was the administrator of the 
estate of Peter Van Gaasbeek, deceased in 1798. 

• A TRUE ACC'T OF THE DWELLING HOUSES OUTHOUSES BARRACKS 
DESTROYED AT KINGSTON 10 OCT" 1777 BY OUR ENEMIES UNDER 
THE COMMAND OF MAJ. G. VAUGIIAN 



Names 



('(il Alini Ilasbrouck. . . 

Jobs Wynkoop 

Aulliony Freer , 

Doer Jac's Elmendorpli 

J.imes Roe 

Jo.scph (laslierie 

Abiu 'I'urek 

Nathan Sniedes 

Mary Elmendorph 



HVV 


Banie 


Barracks 


StorehonscH 








or Shopy 


1 


o 




1 




1 


3 


1 




1 









1 


2 






— 


1 


— 




1 


— 


— 




— 


1 


— 


_ 


1 


— 


— 


3 


1 


3 


1 



APPENDIX. 



523 



Nakcs 



Nich's Boirariliis 

-Vhin Villi GiUisbeok 

Al)m Maslcii 

TlMlllis SIrirlit 

Mai I hew Kil TliDinpson .*. 

Pliilip Ilouirhtaliiii,' 

Will 111 Kirliy 

Aliin lliii'iiiiiii>iu 

Oke Siiilam 

Nidi's Van Derlyu 

Job's Fiiscii 

Pflriis Vmciin 

Kian's F Hoirgen 

.foils Maslcii 

\V"' KIsHorlh 

Cliiistoplier Tappen 

Abiii ElliiiiT 

Aiillioiiy iloffmaii ■ . . 

■John Diiiiioiit 

L)o(t LiiUt- KiiTsled 

Onus .loluisim 

Aliiii Low 

.Jobs Sl.glit ; 

.Ian KlinciKlorpli 

Ei^lxTl DiinionI 

Abni Dc La Meter 

.Jacob Tieiiiper 

Direk Wviikoop 

Philip Vail Heuien 

Abiii V Gaaslurk .Jr 

.Jacob Mnriiis (Jroen .Ir 

Corn's Wvnkoop 

Corns Mashn 

Ezekicl .\Iaslen 

■Jan Kliiiciiilorpb 

lleiiiy Sleirht .Ir 

Jacob Tiirck 

Corns Heeknian 

Calli. Kielsleii 

Gearlruy IJni;ardus 

J-'etriis Hoijiiiilus 

Jacobus I^ow 

ICiiifrsion Chiircli 

Ken jii Ijow 

(Jonielia I^ow 

Daviil Cox 

Atiin 15riukcili(iiT 

Kinirslon Coiiit House 

Joli's Freer 

Elias Ilasbrouck 

Doc (" Elnieiidorpb 

Corn's Vi-elii , 

Anneke Ellinij 

Abni Ilasbrouck Jr 

Eliza belli Ellin? 

Jlal'liew Fersen 

Trustees, Academy aud Scliool-house . 

Gerrit Van Keurcn 

Henry .Slev'lit 

David Del.ametler 

.Jobs .Jaiisen 

Kii-h'd Insrlis 

Tobias V Stecnberg 

KcvMr Doll 




StoreliouM'H 
or Shupt) 



( Hrew- 
'/ bouse. 



524 



APPENDIX. 



Names 


Houses 


Barns 


Barracks 


storehouses 
or Shops 


Jobs Viin ICeuren 


1 • 

» 
* 


1 


1 
1 

1 

1 
1 
1 

2 
3 

1 
1 

1 

1 

1 
3 
1 




Lena V. Steenberg 

Jolin Beekmau 

Tobias Swart 

Evert Bot^ardus 


1 






Ad'm Swart 








Abiii Freer 






1 


Jiio McClean 








Solomon Freer 








Jobs Sn vder 










Coenr't Ebiiendorph 


















Petrus Hudler 


^^ 







John Wliitaker 


_ 






Matthew Van Steeubcrgh 


— 


Abm EIniendorph 


1 






Jaeol>us Lefiferts 










Philip Swart 


1 


Tenuis Hougliteling 

Job's H Sloght 


1 


AVilliel's Hono'hteling 




Petnis Sleijbt 




Ann V Steenber^'h 


. 


Benj'n T Broeck 




risaac Buriians . 


__ 






Saiu'l Whitaker 













Church Courthouse Academy 


115 
3 


103 


46 


17 



• There Is a hole la the paper, so that it cannot bo seen whether there has been any mark or not. 



STATEMENT OF THE ALLOTMENT OF THE FIVE TTTOU- 
SANI) ACRES OF LAND CONTRIIUTEI) BY KOHERT 
R. LIVINGSTON FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SUF- 
FERERS FRO^r THE BURNING OF KINGSTON BY 
THE BRITISH. 

The tract was subdivided into one hundred lots of fifty acres 
each, and those lots arranged into ten classes, each class conii)ris- 
ing ten lots. The allotments were as follows : 

Class One. — Lot one, Moses Cantine ; Uco, Oke Sudam ; three, Cornelia Low ; four, 
.lohn WliitakcT ; fire. Jacobus and Cornelius Eliiiendorpli ; »ix. Evert Hogardus ; iieten, 
Ariantje Elniendorpli ; eight, heirs of Teunis Iloughleling, deceased ; nine, David Cox ; 
ten, Abraham Low. 

Class Two. — Lot one, John Dumont ; tieo, Johannis Janscn ; three, Abraliam Freer ; 
four, the heirs of Ilendrick Plough ; fine, Miehola.s Hogardus ; nit, heirs of Johannes 
B. De Witt ; seren, Petrus IJurhans : eight, Abraham Van Gaasbeek, Jr.; nine, heirs of 
Benjamin Masten ; ten, Petrus Bogardus. 

Class Tukee. — Lot one, Luki; Kiersted ; two, James Hamilton ; three, Philip Swart ; 
four, Petrus lludler ; five, Anthony Iloffnian ; nix, Johannis Person ; seven, Tobias Van 
Steenbergh ; eight, Henry Sleglit ; niite, Thomas Van Stcenbergh ; ten, heirs of William ly 
Elling. 

Class Fouil. — Lot one, Christopher Tappen ; t)eo, Matthew Perscn ; three, Egbert 
Du Mont : four, Abraham Van Gaasbeek ; fire, Dcriek Wynkoop ; »ix, Jacob Tremper ; 
seven, >Iary Elmendorph ; eight, Johannis Wynkoop ; nine, Joseph Gashcrie ; ten, 
Abraham Ilasbrouck. 

Class Five. — Lot one, Frantz P. Roggen ; tieo, Johannis Van Keurcn ; three, Abra- 
ham Ilasbrouck, Jr. ; four, David De Lametter ; five, the heirs of Cornelius Veilie ; six, 
Benjamin Swart ; neven, Helena Van Steenbergh ; eight, Abraham J. De Lametter ; nine, 
Coenraedt J. Elmendorph ; ten. Jacob Turck. 

Class Six. —Lot oiu, Johannis Sleght ; tieo, Petrus Swart ; three, Tobias Van Buren ; 
four, Jan Elmendorph ; five, Abraham Jlasten ; six. Jacobus Low ; seven, James Koe ; 
eight, Anthony Freer ; nine, Jacob Heermause ; ten, Benjamin Elmendorph. 

Class Seven. — Lot one, Johannes Jliisten ; ttro, Adam Swart ; three, Coenraedt 
Crook : four, Ezekiel il:usten ; five, Catharine Kiersted ; six, Elias Hasbrouck ; seven, 
Abraliam Ileermanse ; eight, the heirs of Matthew Ed. Thompson ; nine, Cornelius Jan- 
sen ; ten, Gerrilje Van Keuren. 

Cl.\ss Eight. — Lot one, William Ellsworth ; ttto, Jacob Ten Broeck ; three, John 
JIcLean ; four, Cornelius Elmendorph ; five, the heirs of Solomon Freer ; six, Philip 
Van Buren ; seven, John Beekman ; eight, the heirs of Abraham Turck ; nine, William i^' 
Eltinge ; ten, Cornelius Beekman. 

Class Nine. — Lot one, Cornelius >Iasten ; two, Peter Dumont ; three, heirs of Henry 
J. Sleght ; four, Tobias Swart ; fire. Elizabeth EltingtT; «>, Jeremiah and Wilhclmus 
Houghteling ; seven, Wilhelmus Houghleling, Jr.; eight, Benjamin Ten Broeck ; nine, 
Abraham Elmendorph ; ten, Johannes Snyder. 

Class Tkn.— Lot mie, Petrus Whilaker ; two, Petrus Sleght ; three, Isaac, Abraham, 
.^and Samuel Buvhans ; four, Nicholas Van Derlyn ; five, Jacob JIarius Groen, .Jr.; six, 
Coenraedt E. Elmendorph ; seven, Johannes B. ^lastcn ; eight, Teunis Sleght ; nine, 
Matthew Van Steenbergh ; ten, Benjamin Low. / 



526 



APPENDIX. 



AN ACCOUNT OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOL IN KINGSTON, FROM THE 
15 MAY TO THE 16 OCTOBER, ANNO DOMINI 1777. 



J'AREXTS' NAMES. 


CHILDREN'S NAMES. 


Pptpr Van Zandt 


John Van Zandt, Peler Van Zandt, Polly ^'an Zandt, Mat- 
thew Van Zandt, Thomas Van Zandt. 

Philip Ten Eyck, Jeryntje Ten Eyck, Betsey Ten Eyck, 
Hannah Ten Ejxk. 

Rebekah TjOW Jane B Low 


Ricliard Ten Eyck 

Rptiifiinin T^ow 


Tli()iii;is Pcttil 


Thomas Petlit, Richard Pettit, Polly Pcttit, Thomas Warner. 
Jacob Radly. 
.lohn Eltino*e 


William Radlv 


.Tamos Eltin""e 


Corn's E. Wynkoop 

John H Sle"lit 


Evert Wynkoop. 

Polly Slcght. 

Betsey Rodgers. 

Peter Mesier. 

John Nicoll. 

John Ogilvic, Sally Ogilvie, Anthony Ogilvie, Thomas 

Ogilvie. 
W^illiam Tremper. 

Abraham I. Low, Jane I Low, Betsey Low. 
Caty Kiersted, Anne Kier.sted. 
James Eltinge, Edward Eltinge. 
Anthony DeLamctter, Abraham D DcLamelter. 
Isaac Dewitt. 
Henry Schoonmaker. 
Gertruy Dumont, Sally Dumont. 
Cornelius Van Beuren, Isaac Van Beuren. 
Levi Van Keuren. 
Cornelia Tappen. 

John Tappen, C!ornelia Tappen, George Tappen. 
Rachel Hooghteling, William Hooghteling. 
Jane Eltinge, Jacobus Eltinge, Nelly Eltinge. 


Rpv'd Or R()d""fcvs 


Peter Mesier 

Col. Nicoll 

Mr O'dlvie 


.Ta.rol> Trenmer 






Anneke Eltinge VVid. , . • ... 
David DeLanietler 


Andrios DeWitt, Junr 

HezekiaU Schoonmaker . . . 


Tobias Van Bcuren 

Gerretje Van Keuren 


Christopher Tappen 

Philip Hooghteling 

AViUiani Eltinge 

Henry Jansen 


Ephraini Low 


.lacobus Low Jr. 


Edward Schoonmaker 

Benjamin Ten Broeck 

Jan Elmendorph 


Caty Schoonmaker. 

Peter Ten Broeck. Benj Ten Broeck. 

Corn's I. Elmendorph, Martin Elmendorph, Eliz Elmen 

dorph. 
Jacobus Elmendorph. 
Adam Doll. 
Rachel Freer, Claarlje Freer. 


Dr. Coen'd Elmendorph . . . 
Rev'd Mr. Doll 




Gov'r G. Clinton 


Caly Clinton. 

Jac. Ten Broeck, Jr. 

Polly Leecraft, Richard Leecraft. 

.Tames Roe .Tun 


Jacob Ten Broeck 


James Roe 


Rob. R. Livingston 

Dirck Wynkoop Jun 

Jacobus Van Gaasbeek... 
Cornelius Persen 


Archibald Cambell. 

Ariaantje Wynkoop, Caty Wynkoop, Sally Wynkoop. 

Caty Van Gaasbeek, Peggy Van Gaasbeek. 

Caty Persen. 

Margery Woolsey. 

Corn's A Elmendorph. 


William Kii'by 


Abraham Elmendorph 



APPKXDIX. 627 



TARKNTS' NAMKf*. 


t'llIl.DUKS'f NAMES. 


Jonathan Elmendorph 1 


Sully Elniendorpli. 

John Mcckniiiii 


MisM Studdiford 


UilKkii SliiiUlil'onl. 
Ufl.xcv Suidiiin. 




Siillv I Iccriiiiiiiso. 


Philip Swnrt 


Aiiim Swnrt. Sally Swart. 


Mr. Pi'ckwfll 

.loliii Kicrslcd 

.lull's Van Bunscliotcn 


Betsey Peck wi'll. llduv I'cckwcll, Polly Pcckwoll. 
I.Fohii Kicrslcd. 
loliii Van Bun.scliolcn. Peter Van Biinselioten. 



Wlien the town.s of TTiirli'V, >r;irlilelo\vii, and RoclirstiM' were 
oi-f;anizeil, it became necessary I'or the .severtil towns, including 
Kingston, to elect supervisors for Ihe ap|K>itiiiiiiiient of the county 
exjienses, and eacli town desii::n;it<'<l one siipervisoi-. Tn the year 
174:5 the legishitive As.senihly divided the soiitiiein jiart of the 
county into three precincts — Wallkill, Shavvangiiidx, ;tnd iligiiiaiid. 
By the same act each town in tlie county was autlioiized to elect 
one supervisor and tlie otlier town oflic(>r.^ ; but Kingston, includ- 
ing the Manor of Foxlitill. were allowed two supervisors. 

A list of supervisors, under the colonial government, elected in 
Kingston, is given as far as practicable. It cannot be nuide com- 
plete by reason of the loss of records. 

Bruyn, Scvcryn, 17i58 ; Crooke, John, 1723. '4."), '.")3, '54 ; Dclaniatcr, Cornelius. 1733, 
'34, '4fi ; Dumont. .Joliannis, 1737, '38, 'SO, '40 ; Diinionf, .John, 17C.J : I)c Wilt, Andrips, 
.Ir.. 1772 ; Elling, William, 1730, '31. '32 ; Ellin:;, .Ian, 1740, '.'57 ; Elniendorpli, Pelnis 
Eilmnndus, 17.').5 TiB, '.5'J to 'O.") inclusive ; Masbromk, Abraham. 1747, '.'>7 ; HolTmnn, 
Anthony, 17.")2 ; Kicr.sted, Hans, 17IIG ; Livinuston. Gilbert, 1740, '41, '44, '4.'); Lowe, 
Abraham, Kfifi to '70 inclusive, '7.5, '76, '80 ; JIattys.sc, Mallys. KiSS, '8i> ; JIallys,se, Jan, 
Hi89 ; Provost, Ben.iamin, 10S8. '89; Post, Jan, 1712: Hulsen, Jacob, l(iH8 ; Slepiht. 
Anthcmy, 1748; Snyder, Johannes, 1771, '72. '73; Ten Brocck. Wes.sel, 1725, '2fi, '29; 
Van Kenren, Abraham, 1747 to '.'il inclusive, 17.">8 to '(i4 inclusive, '70, '71, '73, '7.') ; 
Wynkoop, Evert, 1714 ; Wynkoop, Joliannis, 1717 to 21 inclusive, '27, '28, '42, '43, 
"44 ; Wynkoop, Evert, Jr., 1749 to Tili inclusive ; Wynkoop, Direk, Jr., 176.5 to '69 
inclusive. 

The following are the names of supervisors under the State 
(iovernment prior to 1822 : 

Dcwitt, Andries, Jr., 1781, '83 ; Dumont, John, 1784 ; Elniendorpli, Coenracdt C, 
1778, '79, '82 ; Gasherie, .Io.sepli, 1782 ; Hasbrouck, Abraham, 1781, '83 ; Jansen, John 
H., 1820, '21, '22; Kicrsted, I,uke, 1801 to '04 inclusive; Marius Groen, Jacob, 1798, 
'99; Myer, Abraham, 1819; Sleght, Henry, Jr., 178.5; Slc'^ht, Henry, 1800; Snyder. 
Johannes, 1780. '84, "8.5, '87, '88 ; Swart, \Villiam, 180,5 to Hi inclusive ; Van Derlyn, 
Peter, 1794 to '97 inclusive ; Van Gaasbeek, Peter, 1787 to '93 inclusive ; Van Guasbeek. 
Thomas, 1817. '18 ; Wynkoop, "Dirck, Jr., 1778, '79. 

The following is a list of the persons who were selected from 
among the trustees to perform magisterial duties under the charter. 



528 APPENDIX. 

There is no record to be found prior to 1713, and none were desig- 
nated subsequent to 1775. Tlie uixmber designated each year was 
five. There is no account of those designated in the years 1716, 
'22, '23, '24, and '25. 

Bogardus, Petrus, 1743, '53, '56. 

Beekman, .John, 1769, '73, '74, '75. 

Crooke, John, 1714, '15, '37, '28, '29. 

Davenport, .John, 1713, '30, '31, '30 to '37 incUisive. 

Dumont, John B., 1737. 

Pieter, 1749, '50, '53, "63, '63. 
DeWitt, Tjcrck, 1730, '31, '33, '34. 
Henrj', 1747. '48, '51. 
Andries, 1760, '61. 

Jr., 1763 to '69 inclusive, '89. 
De Lametre, Johanni.s, 1738, '40, 41. 

David, 1739, '40, '44, '45, '46, "48, '49. '50, '52, '53, '54. 
Du Bois, Louis M., 1733, "33. 
Johannis, 1764, '73. 
Eltinge, Roeliff, 1713, '14. 

William, 1718, '41, '43. 
Jan, 1751, '53. 
Jacobus, 1757. 
Elmendorph, Coenraedt, 1717, '18, '37. 

" Cornelis, 1744 to '52 inclusive. 

Petrus Ed., 1753, '54, '55, '56, '59. 
Gerrit, 1758. 
Elsworth, William, 1760, '61, '62, '66. 
Gashcrie, Joseph, 1773, '73. 
Hermans, Andrew, 1718, '19, '26. 
Hollman, Nicholas, 1720, '21, '37. 

Anthony, 1742, '45, '.56, '57, '58, '65, '69 to '75 inclusive. 
Houghteling, Wilhelnuis, Jr., 1773. 
Hasbrouck, Abraham, 17.52. 
Janse, Ileudrick, 1715, '20, '32. 

" Johannis, 1735, '36, '38 to 41 inclusive, '44 to '47 inclusive, '59 to '63 inclusive. 
" Cornelis, 1748, '51, '53, '53, '55, '56. 
Jansen, Henrj% 1764, '65. 
Lachaire, John, 1717. 
Low, Abraham, 1738, '30, '39, '40, '41, '67, '69. 

" Johannis, 1729, '30. 
Mattison, Tjerck, 1713, '15. 
Masten, Johannis, 1731. 
" Cornelius, 1749. 
" Benjamin, 1767, '68. 
" Ezekiel, 1765 to '68 inclusive, '71. 
Po.st, Jan, 1712. 

Pruyn, Hendrick, 1714, '15, '20, '21. 
Per.seu, Cornelis, 1764. , 

" Adam, 1750, '51, '57, '58, '70, '71, '72. 
Plough, Poulons, 1765, '66. 
liutsen, John, 1714. 
Slecht, Antony, 1735. 

" Jan, 1735, '38, '40 to '44 inclusive. 

" Johannis, 1731, '34, '57 to '63 inclusive, '70, '71. 



APPENDIX. 529 

Slecht, Ilendrick, 1759, '74, '75. 

" Abraham, 1763. '64. 
Snyder, Johannis, 1754 to '62 inclusive, '70. 
Swart. Adam, 1763. "66, '67, '68. 

Tappi-n, Cliristophcl. 1718, '27, '28, '29, '33 to '36 inclusive, '39, '40. 
Juryan. 1737, '38. 
" Christoplier, 1768 to '75 inclusive. 
Ten Broeck, Jacob, 1727 to '31 inclusive, 
•lohannis, 1733, '34, '43, '43. 
Wessel, 1719. 
John, 1735, '36. 
Turck, .Tohannis, 1733, '33. 
Vandcnbcrgh, Gcyslicrt, 1729. 
Van Kcuren, Tjorck, 1726. 
Viclle, Philip, 1721, '27, '28. 
Van Burcn, Tobias, 1742, '43, '44. 

" Cornelius, 1754, '.55. 
Van Gaasbeek, Abraham, 1770, '72. '74. "75. 

Wynkoop, Johannis, 1713, '14, '15, "19, '20, '21, '38, '40, '42, '43, '44, "47. .50. 
Evert, 1717, '18. 
" " Jr., 1745 to '50 inclusive, '52 to '.50 inclusive. 

Whitaker, James, 1717, '26. 
Edward, 1726. 

PRESIDENTS OF THE MAGISTHATES. 

Crooke, John, Jr., 1727, '28, '29. 
Dclamcter. David, 1752, '53, '54. 
Khucndorpli, Coenraedt, 1737. 
Eltinge, 'William, 1741, '43. 

.Jan, 1751. 
Els'.vorth, William, 1766. 
Hoffman, Nichohus, 1734, '25. 

Anthony, 1765, '69, '73. 
.lanse, Johannis, 1738. '39, '44, '45, '46, '47, "63. 
Low, Abraham, 1767. 
Persen, Cornells, 1764. 

Adam, 1770, '71, '72. 
Snyder, .lohannis, 1757, '58, '60, '61, '62. 
Slecht, Hendrick, 1774, '75. 
Tappeu, Christoplu'l, 1732 lo '35 inclusive, '40. 

Christopher, 1708. 
Ten Broeck, .Jacob, 1730, '31. 
Wynkoop, Johannis, 1720, '21, '42, '50. 
Evert, Jr., 1748, '49, '55, '56. 
"Whitaker, Edward, 1726. 

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE SPEAKERS OR PRESIDING 
OFFICERS OF THE TRUSTEES AS FAR AS THEY CAN BE ASCER 
TAINED FROM THE RECORDS. 

Crooke, John, Jr., 1727, '29. 
Chipp, John, 1816. 
Duniont. Johannis, 1740. 
De Witt, Andrics, Jr., 1781, '83, '86, '89. 
Elmeudorph, Coenraedt, 1716, '37. 
34 



530 APPENDIX. 

Eltinge, William, 1741, '43. 

Hoffman, Nicholas, 1733 to '35 inclusive. 

Janse, Johannis, 1738, '39, '44 to '47 inclusive, '59. 

Marius Groen, Peter, 1793 to 1803 inclusive, 1805 to '15 inchisive. 

Slecht, Johannis, 1773. 

Sloght, Henry J., 1782. 

" Henry, 1804. 
Snyder, Johannis, Jr., 1757, '58, '60 to '68 inclusive, '71, '84, '85, '88, '90. 
Swart, Adam, 1770. 

Tappen, Christophel, 1733 to '35 inclusive, '39, '40. 
Ten Broeck, Jacob, 1738 to '31 inclusive. 
Van Burcn, Tobias, 1791. 
Van Keuren, Abraham, 1751. 
Wynkoop, Johannis, 1713 to '15 inclu.sive, '19, '30, "31, '43, '49. 

Evert, 1717, '18. 

" Jr., 1748, '50, '53 to '56 inclusive. 

Derick, Jr., 1769, '73, '74, '75, '78, '79, '80, '87. 
Whitaker, Edward, 1736. 
Yeomaus, Moses, 1792. 



ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE TRUSTEES OF Till-: FREE- 
HOLDERS AND COMMONALTY OF THE TOWN OF 
KINOSTOXFRO^r TIFETR INCORPORATION IN 1088 TO 
THEIR DISSOLUTION IN 1816. 

From 1089 to and iiiclii<liiii? 1711 tlie list is iiicomi)lpte, by 
reason of the loss of the minutes ; the names have been gathered, 
as far as practicablo, from the record of deeds executed by them. 
The residue are taken from the minutes and are complete, except 
for the year 1777. Tlie minutes for that year, as apiieare by an 
entry made by their clerk, Christopher Tappen, in the Book of 
Minutes, were burned with his i)apers in the conHagration of 
Kingston. 

Note. — The year named is the year of election on the first Tues- 
day of March. 

Aertse, Jacob, 1G88, '89, '93, '94. 

" Gerrit, 1688, '89, '92, '98, 1700, '01, '02, '04. '05. 
Antliony, Nichohis, 1693. 
Allicrtse, Ilfmlrick, 1695. 
Hiirlmns, Jan, 1693, '98. 
Hccknian, llcnry, Jr., 1714. 

Bon;ar(lus, Pttrus, 1731, '33, '33, '3.') to '43 inclusive, '52 to '56 inclusive, '59. 
Bfi'kiiian, Thomas, 1732, '33, '34, '38 to '41 inclusive. 
IJruyn, Scveryn, 1753, '.58. 
Bfckman, John, 1758, '69, '72, '74. '75, '76. 

Bogariiu.s, Evert, 1784, '85, '90 to 1803 inclusive, '05 to '09 inclusive. 
Bruyn, Jacobus S., 1787, 1800. 
Beckman, Cornelius, 1790, '91. 
Bosarilus, Jacob E., 1810, '11. 
Boorhans, Cornelius, 1H12. 

Crooke, John, Jr., 1714, 15. '16, '22, '23, '27, '28, '29, '45. '46, '47. 
Cantine, Peter. 1720, '22, '25. 
Cole, Martiuus, 1804. 
Chipp, Joseph, 1807, '08, '09, '10, '11. 

John, 1816. 
Deniyer, Williehnus, 1688, '89, '90, 1700, "01, 02. 
Dewitt, Tjerck Clausen, 1692. 
-Dumond, Walvan, 1693. ■ 

Dewitt, Tjerck, 1694. 

Boudwyne, 1694, 1717, "18, '19, '21, '22, '25, '20, '27, '30, '31, '33, '34. 
Dubois, Solomon, 1695. 

Fitter, 1705. 
Dumont, Jan Babtiste. 1705, '06, '07, '08, '09, '27. 
Dewitt, Andries, 1706, '07, '08, "09. 



532 APPENDIX. 

Davenport, Jan or John, 1711, '12, '13, '19, '20, '21, '22, '24, '30 to '37 Inclusive. 

Demyer, Nicholas, 1720. 

De Lamcttcr, Cornelius, 1721, '23, '24, '25, '30. 

De Witt, Bastiaan, 1722, '28. 

Davis, Solomon, 1724. 

Du Bois, Matthys, 1725. 

De Lamelter, Johannis, 1727, '28, '29, '34, '35, '36, '38 to '43 inclusive. 

Dumont, Igouas, 1730 to '34 inclusive, '36. 

Du Bois, Louis M., 1732, '33. 

De Lametter, David, 1732 to '36 inclusive, '38 to '50 inclusive, '52 to '55 inclusive. 

Dumont, Johannis, 1738, '39, '40. 

De Lametter, Jacobus, 1744. 

De Witt, Henry, 1744, '45, '46, '47, '48, '51. 

Dumont, Pieter, 1748 to '52 inclusive, '57 to '63 inclusive. 

Du Bois, .Johannis, 1751-60 to '64 inclusive, '66, '67, '68, '70 to '73 inclusive. 

Dumont, Pliilip, 1757. 

De Witt, Andries F., 1760, '61. 

Jr., 1762 to '69 inclusive, '78 to '81 inclusive, '83, '85, '86, '89. 
De Lametter, Abraham, Jr., 1766. 
Dumont, Egbert, 1782. 

Dewitt, Tjcrck, 1792. '95, '96, 1806, '07, '08, '09, '12. 
Du Bois. Jeremiah, 1788 to '96 inclusive, '98, '99, 1810 to '15 inclusive. 
Dewitt, Tjerck C, 1783, '90, '91, '93, '94, '97, '98, '99. 
Dumont, John, 1784. 
Delaraetter, David, 1788. 

" Jr., 1792. 
Du Bois, Joshua, Jr., 1813, '14, '15. 
Decker, Peter R., 1816. 
Degrall, Solomon, 1816. 
Elisse, Tenuis, 1688. '92, '99, 1700, '06, 
Ehuendorph, Coenradt, 1695, 1702, '07, 

Jacobus, 1705, '06, '07, 
Eltinge, William, 1711, '15, '16, '18, '19, '21, '23 to '26 inclusive, '40, '41, '43. 

Roeliff, 1711. '13, '14. 
Elmendorph, Cornelis, 1742 to '52 inclusive. 
Eltinge, Jacobus, 1750. '55, '56, '57, '59. 
Elmendorph, Petrus Ed., 1751 to '56 inclusive, '59. 
Eltinge, Jan, 1751, '53 to '56 iiicUisive. 
Elmendorph, Gerrit, 1757, '58. 

Elsworth, William, 1759 to '66 inclusive, '69, '76, 1804. 
Elmendorpli, .Jonathan, 1769, '74, '75, '76, '78, '79. 
Eltinge, AVilliam, 1774. '75, '82. 

Henry, 1792, '94. 
Elmendorph, Uoeuraedt C, 1781, '82. 

G., 1783, '94, '95, .'96. 

Peter, 1804. 
Freer, Antliony, 1788. 

" Samuel, 1794, '95, '96, '98, '99, 1805. 
Fiero, Stephen. 1797, '98. 
• " Abraham. IHIO to '15 inrlusive. 
Gasherie, Joseph, 1771 to '80 inclusive, '82. 
Hoogliten, Jolin Williams, 1688. 
Haines, William, 16S8. 
Hendricks, Jan, 1689, 93. 
Heermans, Jan, 1692, '94, '98, 1744, '45. '46. 
Hogeboom, Cornelis, 1693. 



6, '07, '08. 






7, '08, '16, '17, '18, '37. 






'08, '10. 






19, '21, '23 to '26 inclusive. 


'40, 


'41 



APPENDIX. 533 

llemiricks, Egbert II.. 1695. 
lIooghtelinfT, Phillip, 170o. 
HardL-nbtrah, Jolmnnis. 1707, '08. '00. '12. 
Ik'crmaus, Ilenricus, 1712, '13. 

Andrew. 1716, '17, '18, '19, '21, '23, '26. 
Harris, William, 1724. 
Hoffman, Nicholas, 1712, '30 to '25 inclusive, '37. 

Anthony, 1742. '43, '4.i, '46, '47, '49, '."il, '.W to '.58 inclusive, '65, '69 to '76 
inclusive, '78, '79, '80. 
Ilooghteling, Williclnius, Jr., 1745 to '.50 inclusive, '57 to '73 inclusive. 
Phillip. 1778 to '84 inclusive. 

Thonias, 1794, '95, '96, '97, '99, 1805 to '09 inclusive. 
Teunis, 1784. 

Abraham, 1788, 1801, '02, '03. 
Hiusbrouck, Abraham. 17.52. 
Hoffman. Abraham, 1800. '01, '02. "03. 
Ilasbrouck, .Jonathan, 1800, '01, '04. 
Abraham. I., 1804. 
Henry. 1807, '08, '09. 
Ilcrmance, John, 1805 to '09 inclusive. '12. 
Hendricks, John, 1816. 
Janse, Mattyse, 1698, 1706, '07. '08, '10, '11, '26. 

" Hendrick, 1714, '15, '17, '18, '19, '20, '22, '24, '32, '37. 
" Johannis, 1729. '30. '31, '35, '36, '38 to '47 inclusive, '59 to '63 inclusive. 
Cornelis, 1748 to '.50 inclusive, '87, '89. 
Jaascn, Henry, 1764, '65. "78 to '80 inclvisivc, 1816. 
Kiersted, Hans, 1705, '30, '31. 

Aldert, 1713, '16, '17, '22, '23. '25. 
Luke, 1780, '81, '82, '89, 1804. 
Nicholas, 1782, '84. 
Christopher C, 1816. 
Legg. William, 1688, '94, '95. '99, 1700, '01, '02, '17. '27. •2S, '29. 
Lanmitre, Ar)ram. 1692. '98. 1700, '01. '02, '05, '06, '10. 
Jacobus, 1694, '99, 1700, '01, '06. 
Corndis, 1710. '11, '13. '14, '17, '18, '19. 
Lacliair, Jan, 1695, '99, 1700, '01, '05, '06, '16, '17. 
Low, Abraham, 1716. '17, '19, '26, '27, "28, '30, '34, '35, '36, '38 to '43 inclusive. '67, 

'68, '69, '81. 
Low, Johannis, 1718, '19, '29, '30, '35, '36. 
Livingston, Gilbert, 1740, '41. 
Low, Cornelius, 1757, '58. 

" Benjamin, 1772, '74, '75, '76, '78 to '81 inclusive, '83, '85 to "89 inclusive. 
Mattysse, Matlyse. 1688, '89, '92, '94. 

Jan. 1689, '92, "94. 
Ma.sten, Cornelis, 1692, '98, 1710, '11, "48 to '51 inclusive. 
Mattison, Tjerck, 1712, '13, '15, '16. 
Masten, Johannis, 1715, '16, '25, '29, '30, '31. 
Benjamin, 1754, '.55, '.56, '67, '68, '71. 
E/.ekiel, 1764 to '68 inclusive, '70, '71, '73. 
JIarius Grocn, Jacob, Jr., 1784 to '88 inclusive. 

" Peter, 1785, '86, '87, '89 to 1803 inclusive. '05 to '15 inclusive. 
Myer, Benjamin, 1790, '91. 
"" Tobiius, 1792, '93. 
" Ephraim, 1805. '06. 
" Teunis, 1810 to '15 inclusive. 
'■ Tjerck, 1816. 



534 APPENDIX. 

Myer, Abraham, 181G. 
Noxon, Thomas, 1699, 1700, '01, 'OS. 
Nottingham, William, 1704. 
Newkirk, Arie, 1718. 

Osterhoudt, Joseph, 1778, '79, '80, '81, '83. 
James, 1777, '85, '86, '88, '89. 
Tennis, 1800. 
" 'Willium, Jr., 1810 to '15 inclusive. 

Provoost, Benjamin, 1688, '89. 

Pruyn, Hemlrick, 1709, '10, '14, '15, '20, '31, '23, '35. 
Post, Jan, 1711. 
Plough, William, 1738, '29. 
Jan, 1737. 

Poulous, 1765, '66, '70. 
Persen, Cornelius, 1744 to '53 inclusive, '59, '60, "61, '63, '64. 

" Adam, 1749, '50, '51, '53, '57, '58, '59, '62, '70, "71, '73. 
Johannis, 1772, '83. 
Post, Abraham, Jr., 1804. 
Rutgers, Jacob. 1688, '89, '92. 
Rutsen, John, 1714, '23. 
Roosa, Aldert. 1714. 
Roe, Jame.s, 1784. 
Roggen, Peter, 1796, '97, '98, '99. 
Ransom, James, 1805, '06, '07, '08, '09. 
Schcpmoes, Dirck, 1688, '89, 1701, '02, '04 to '09 inclusive. 
Stocke, Jan, 1689. 
Schuyler, Philip, 1689. 

Schoonmaker, Egbert, 1698, 1704 to '10 inclusive. 
Salisbury, Francis, 1698, '99, 1700. 
Smedes, IJeujamin, 1699, 1700. 
Schoonmaker, Ilendriek, 1701. 
Schepmoes, William, 1712, '13, '14, '30, '31, '23. 
Slecht, Antony, 1720, '22, '34, '35. 

" Jan, 1732, '24, '26, '27, '28, '35, '38 to '44 inclusive. 

" Johannis, 1729, '31, '34, '36. 
Swart, Tunis A., 1727, '30, '32, "44. 
Snyder, Jerry, 1730, '31, '32, '33. 
Smedes, Petius, 1734. '35, '36, '53. 
Schoonmaker, Ilendriek 11., 1737. 
Salisbury, Lawrence, 1737. 
Swart, Johannis, 1737. 
Schepmoes, Dirck, 1748. 
Slecht, Benjamin, 1752, '53, '54. 

" Johannis, 1754 to '73 inclusive, '88, '91, '92. 
Snyder, Johannis, Jr., 1754 to '68 inclusive, '70, '71, '73, '84, '85, '87, '88, '90, '93, '94. 
Swart, Adam, 1756, '57, '58, '60, '61, '63, '63, '66, '67, '68, '70. 
Slecht, Ilendriek, 1759 to '69 inclusive, '74, '75, '76. 

" Abraham, 1760 to '64 inclusive. 
Schoonmaker, Edward, 1765, '83, '83, '84, '86. 
Salisbury, Sylvester, 1773, '74, '75, '76, '78, '79, '80, '81, '83. 
Sleght, Henry J., 1783, '83, '85, '87. 
Swart, Samuel, 1790, '91, '93, '93. 

Pliilip, 1788, '90 to '!)9 inclusive. 
Schoonmaker, Ilendriek, 1794 to 1803 inclusive. 
Sudam, Oke, 1794, '95, '96. 
Sleght, Henry, 1794, '95, 1804. 



APPENDIX. 535 

Schepmocs, Williiim, 1798, '99. 

Sw:irt. William, 18(1(1. '01. '02, '03, '05 to '15 inclusive. 

Suyder. .loluinuis. 1800, '01, '02, '03. 

" Hi-njiimin, 1804. 
Schepmoes, John T., 1813, '14, '15. 
Snj'dcrr, Abraham, 1816. 
Schoonmaker, Henry H., 1816. 
Schryver, Henry, 1816. 

Ten Broeck, wkscl, 1688, '89, '92, '99, 1719. 
Teuuissc, Jurian. 1693. 
Arent, 1693. 
Tappen, Tunis, 1710, '11. 
Trapliaixen. llinilrick, 1710, '11. 

Tappen. C'liristoplKl. 1712, '13, '17, '18, '27, '28, '29, '32 to '36 inclusive, '39, '40. 
Ten Broeek, .Jacob, 1714, '15, '16, '19, '21, '27 to '31 indu.sive, 53, '58. 

.Tohannis, 1715, '16, '18, '21, '24, '26, '27, '28, '29, '32. '33, '34, '.39 to '43 
inclusive. 
Tappen, Peter, 1715, '20, '22, '23, '24. 

Juryan, 1724, '37, '38. 
Teurck. Johannis, 1725, '26, '31, '32, '33. 
Ten Broeek, .Jolin, 1735, 36, 'IW. 
Tappen, t'lirisloplier, 1767 to '76 inclusive, '78 to '83 inclusive, '85, '80, '87, '88, 1800. 

'01, '02, '03, '05, '06. 
Ten Broeek, Benjamin, 1785, '86, '87. 

We-ssel, 1789. 
Teerix'nnin.!;, Abraham, 1794 to '99 inclusive. 1805 to '09 inclusive. 

.Jacobus, 1800, '01, '02, '03. 
'I'remper, John, 1802, '03, '04. 
Teerpenninir, William, 1809. 
Vretienbiirirli, William, 1695. 
Van Name. .Jochem, 1695. 
Vernovy, C'ornelis, 1705. 
Van SteenlHTirh, Thoma.s. 1706. 
Van Bcnlhuy.sen, Barent, 1707, '08. "09. 
Vandenber-ii. Geysbert, 1710. '12, '13, '23, '24, '25, '29. "30. 
Van Wa'Tontn, Aert, 1711. '13, '14, '15. 
Van Iveuren, Maltys, 1715. 
Van Vleet, Aric, 1718. 

Van Keuren, Tjerck, 1719, '25, '26, '38, '39, '40, '41. 
Van Bcnsehoteu, John. 1720. 
Vielle, Philip, 1720, '21, '22, '27, '28. 
Van Buren. Tobias, 1723, '26, '42, '43, '44. 
Van Bensehoten. Solomon, 1728, '37. 
Van Iveuren, Abraham. 1745 to '53 inclusive. 
Van Buren, Cornelis, 17.54, Tt't. '.56. 
Van Ga;isbeek, Abraham, 1769 to '75 inclusive. 

Jacobus, 1774 to '81 inclusive, '83, '97. 
Van Keuren. .Johannis, 1776. 

Van Buren. Tobiiws, 1781, '82, '84, '87, "88, '90, '91, 1800 to "03 inclusive. 
Van Aken, Abraham G., 1797. 
Vanderlyn. Peter. 1798, '99. 

Van Vliet,, John, 1790, '91, 1800, '01, '02, '03, '05 to '15 inclusive. 
Van Gaiisbcek, Thonnus, 1804. 
Van r.euven, Jolm, 1804. 
Van Iveuren. Philip, 1810 to '15 inclusive. 
Van Akcn, John K. , 1810 to 15 inclusive. 



■OB. -07, '08, 


•09, 


'13. 






■!, '99, 1700, 


'01, 


•02, '04, '11, 


'17, 


'18, 


10, '01, '02, 


•04. 


•10, '12, '13, 


'14, 


'15, 



536 APPENDIX. 

Van Benschoten, Johannis, 1784. 

Van Steenbergli, John, 1784, '89. 

Van Keuren, Garret, 1785, '86, '87, '89 to '93 inclusive. 

Van Gaasbeek, Abraham, Jr., 1787, '89. 

Van Steenbergh, Tobias, 1789. 

Van Bureii, Philip, 1793. 

Williams, Jan, 1688, '93. 

Wynlsoop, Gerrit, 1693, 1704. 

Evert, 1693, '95, '98, 

Johannis, 1699, 1700, '01, '02, '04. '10, '12, '13, '14, '15, '19, '20, '31, '38 to 
'50 inclusive. 
Westbrook, Johannis, 1694. 
Whitaker, James, 1707, •16, '17, '26. 

Edward, 1701, '02, '05, '06, '09, '26, '57. 
Wynkoop, Evert, Jr. , 1742, '44 to '50 inclusive, '52 to '56 inclusive. 

Derick, Jr., 1764 to '76 inclusive, '78, '79, '80, '87. 
Wintield, John, 1813, '14, '15. 
Yeomans, Moses, 1792, '93, 1805 to '11 inclusive. 

T.TST OF DIRECTORS OF THE VILLAGE OF KINGSTON IN 1805 TO AND 

INCLUDING 1820. 

PKESIDENTS. 

Joseph Chipp. 1806, '07, '08, '11, '12. 
James C. Elmendorf. 1813 to '20 inclusive. 
Jacob Marius Groen, 1810. 
Abraham Myer, 1816, resigned. 
Tobias Van Buren, 1805. 
John Van Steenbergh, 1809. 

DIRECTORS^. 

Bruyn, James J,, 1805. 
Beekman, John, 1806, '07, '08. 

Thomas, 1809. 
Burhans, Cornelius, 1814 to '20 inclu.sive. 
Chipp, Joseph, 1806, '07, '08, '11, '12. 
Couch, Seth, 1813. 
Cockburn, James, 1813. 

Elmendorph, Martin, 1806, '07, '08, '13, '16, '17, '18, '19. 
Coenradt Ed., 1811, '12. 
" James C, 1813 to 1830 inclusive. 

Gardinier, Barent, 1805, '06. 
Hasbrouck, Henry, 1806, '07, '08. 

James, 1809. 
Hermance. John, 1809, '10, '11, '12. 
Jansen, Levi, 1810. 

" Henry, 1819. 
Marius Groen, Jacob, 1810. 
Masten, Abraham A., 1810, '11, '12. 
Myer, Abraliam, 1814 to '18 inclusive. 
Sudani. John, 1807, '08. 
Swart, Tennis J., 1813 to '20 inclusive. 
Tappen, George, 1809. 

Christopher, Jr., 1810. 
Van Buren, Tobias, 1805. 
Van Steenbergh, John, 1805, '09. 



APPENDIX. 537 

Van Keiircn, Philip. Jr., 1805. 
Van Stccnbergh, Peter. 1814. '15. 
Van Keuren, Abraliani G., 1820. 

The following: is a list of delep::ites sent to represent the county 
of ULster at the vaiious assemblies at the years f^iven. Usually 
after 1691 the date of the succeeding Assembly shows the year of 
the dissolution of its pre<lecessor. 

DELEGATES FROM ULSTER. 

1683. Henry Beekman, William Ashfoni. 

1085. Names of delegates not known. Dissolved before holding session. 

ULSTER A>fD DUTCHESS COUNTIES. 

1691. Henry Beekman, Thomas Garton. 
1093. Thomas Garton, Jacob Kutscu. 

ULSTER COUNTY. 

1695. Henry Beekman, William Demire. 
1698. Abraham Hasbrook, Thomas Garton. 
1099. Jacob Rutsen, Abraham Hasbrook. 

1701. Jacob Kutsen, Adrien Gerrit.scn. 

1702, '05, '08. '09. '10, '11. Henry Beekman, Thomas Garton. 
1712. Henry Beekman, Jacob Rutsen. 

1716. Abraham GiKi-sbeck C'liambcrs, Jacob Rutsen. 

1726, '27. Abraham Gaasbeek, Albert Pawliiiir. 

1728. Abraham Gaasbeek t'hambers, Albert Pawling. 

1737. Abraham G. Chambers. John Hardenbcrgh. 

1738. John Hardenbergh, Abraham Hiusbrook. 

1743. Abraham Gaasbeek Chambers, Abraham Ha.sbrook. 

1745. Albert Pawling, John Hardenbergh. 

1748. Abraham Hasbrook, Johannis Janse. 

1750. John Hardenbergh, Johannis Janse. 

1752. Johannis Janse, Moses De Pue, Jr. 

1759, '61. Abraham Ha-sbrook, Jacobus Bruyn. 

1708, '69. George Clinton, Charles De Witt. 

MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL CONVENTION FROM LXSTER COUNTY. 

1775, April. — Charles De Witt, George Clinton. Tjcvi Pawling. 

May. — Johannes Hardenbergh, James Clinton, Egbert Duinont, Charles Clinton, 
Christopher Tappen. John Nicholstm, Jacob Iloornbeek. 
" Dec. — Henry Wisner. Matthew Rea, Direk Wynkoop. Jr., Jlatthew Cantine, 
Andries De Witt, Andries Lefever, Thomas Palmer, Samuel Brewster. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS FROM ULSTER COUNTY. 

Continental Congr&ss, 1775 to '77, George Clinton. 
Articles of Confederation, 1784, Charles De Witt. 
1788, John Hathorn. 

UXDER UNITED ST.VTES CONSTITUTION. 

First Congress, 1789 to '91, John Hathorn. 

Second Congress, 1791 to '93, Cornelius C. Schoonmaker. 

Third Congress, 1793 to '95, Peter Van Gaasbeek. 



588 



APPENDIX. 



Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Congresses, 1797 to 1803, Lucas Elmendorph. 

Eighth Congress, 1803 to '05, Josiuh Hasbrouck. 

Ninth Congress, 1805 to '07, Martin 6. Schuneman. 

Tenth and Eleventh Congresses, 1807 to '11, Barent Gardinier. 

Thirteenth Congress, 1813 to '15, Abraham Hasbrouck. 

Fifteenth Congress, 1817 to '19, Josiah Hasbrouck. 

Sixteenth Congress, 1819 to '21, Jacob H. Do Witt. 

Seventeenth Congress, 1821 to '23, Charles H. Kuggles. 



SENATORS FROM ULSTER COUNTY UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF 

1777. 
1777 to '82, Levi Pawhng. 
1782 to '84, Thomas Palmer. 
1790 to '97. John Cautine. 
1793 to '96, Joseph Hasbrouck. 

1797 to '99, Christopher Tappen. 

1798 to 1800, John Addison. 
1801 to '05, Jacobus S. Bruyn. 
1810 to '13, Johannis Bruyn. 
1814 to '17, Lucas Elmendorph. 
1818 to '21, John Lounsbery. 
1822, Abraham Hasbrouck. 

MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY FROM ULSTER COUNTY UNDER THE CON- 
STITUTION OF 1777. 



Na»e. 



Addison. John 

Abeel, Gerritt 

Adams, Aaron 

Bevier, Andries 

Boyd, Robert, Jr 

Bruyn, Johannis 

" James 

" Severyn T.. . . 

" Cornelius 

" Jacobus S. . . . 

" Chiirles 

Bevier, Philip D. .. . 

" Benjamin . .. 

" Conrad 

Bowman, Phiueas... 

Barber, John 

Brodhead, Cli.arles W 

Wessell... 

" John, Jr.. 

Burr, John 

Can tine, John 

" Moses 

" Jr.... 

" Peter A 

Clark, Ebenezer 

" Daniel 

Clinton, James 

Crawford, Francis.. 

Conklin, .lohn 

Coddington, Jacob. . 

Crispell, John 

De Witt, Charles. . . . 



Session. 



16, 19 

22 

39 

3 

3,4 

6, 6, 20, 23 

11 

13, 16, 18 

17 

21, 22 

45 

16, 19,21 

24, 25, 27, 33 

37, 44 

21 

21 

23 

38 

45 

20 

3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 

11, 12 

23 

26 

40 

10, 12, 13, 15 

37, 42 

11 

20 

30, 33, 34, 40 

35 

43 

5, 6, 7, 8, 11 



Name. 



De Witt, John C 

" John A 

" Abra, Ten Eyck. 

Du Bois, Matthew 

De Lametter, John 

" Jacob 

Dumond, .Joshua 

Doll, William 

Deyo, Joseph 

Elmendorf, Coenraedt E. 

" Lucas 

Elting, Philip 

" Isaac 

Foote, Ebenezer . 

Gallatian, David 

Graham, John G 

Gillespie, William G 

Hardeubergh, John G. . . 

" Johannis.. 

" Abraham.. 

Ilardenburgh, Abm. J . . . 

Hasbrouck, Abraham . . . . 

" Joseph 

" Josiah 

" Joseph, Jr. . . 

" Jacob J 

Hunter, James 

Hawkins, Samuel 

Janseu, Thomas 

Henry 

" Levi 



Session. 



30 



16, 18, 20, 31 

23 

21, 23 

31 

14 

14 

15 

33 

41' 

43, 43 

17, 24, 31 

27, 28 

24 

43 

15, 17, 19 

9, 10 

14 

44 

1, 3, 4, 8, 13 

13 

5 

33 

35 

5, 33 

9, 14, 15 

20, 25, 29 

24, 27 

45 

5, 6, 7, 

34 

9 

35 
41 



14 



APPENDIX. 



539 



Namh. 



Eaio, Jamos 

Kiersted, Joliii 

Lefcvre, Pclcr, Jr. . . . 

Lowe, Cornelius 

Louusbcrry, John.... 

Lefcvre, Isaac 

Lake, Wells 

MaU'olm, William 

Miller, Johanuis 

" Green 

McOonl, Andrew 

Marius, (Iroen, Jacob. 

>Iartin, Darius 

Nic^liolsoii, John 

Oliver. James 

Ostrandcr, Klisha 

Palmer, Thomas 

Parks. William 

Rca, Mat I hew 

" Jacob 

Ross, James 

Reynolds, Henry 

Roosa, Peter P 

Kuggles, Charles II . . . 



Session. 



26 

37 

22, :S3 

26, ai, 32 

2!), 34 

31 

44 

H 

17 

37, 89, 40 

18, 19. 21 

30 

38 

6, 7, 8 

17, 19, 20 

43 

3 

39 

1, 3 

30 

. 27, 28 

28 

29, 30 

43 



Namk. 



Skbsion. 



Schoonmaker, Cornelius C. 



Snyder, Johannis 

Uenjamin 

" Jacob 

Smith, Nathan 

" Kchemiah L .. 

" Samuel 

Sears, Renjamin 

" Elnalhan 

Schumnian, Martin G.. 

Swart, William 

Staples, David 

Stokes, William A 

Tappen, Christopher. . . 

Jr. 

Tremper, Jacob W.... 

Tuthill. Schih 

Van Gaasbcjk, Thomas 
Wisner, Henry, Jr... 
Westbrook, Dirck 



. 2, 3, 4, 6, 

8, 9, 10.11, 

2. 13. it 18 

2, 9, 10, 14 

2"), 26 

43, 44 

,3, 4, 7, 8. 

, 10, 11, 13. 

13, 16 

34 

41 

20 

25. 29, 35 

22, 23 

33 
38. 41 

45 
12, 13 
40 
18 
38 
38 
1 
39 



INDEX. 



Note. — The writer intended to correct a portion of the statement on page 04 in 
regard to the " manor house," but neglected it until too late for the text. The manor 
house referred to on the Kiersted farm which was torn down a few years ago was built 
in 1691. The traditionary evidence is that the original house of Thomas Chambers was 
located nearer the vilhige and wliere Mr. Hayes's house now is. 



Abercromliie, English General, defeated 
by French. 141. 

Academy established by Trustees of Kings- 
ton, and names, 343: incorporated, and 
names of Trustees, 3.")0 ; copy charter, 
350; rules for government, 351 : namesof 
Principals — John Addison, 344 ; J. Mc- 
Millan, 347 ; O. B. Ewart, 348 ; T. T. 
Smith, 349, 352; 1). Warden, 350; 
Thomas Adams, 301 ; 0. B. Perry, 303 ; 
.1. Munsell, .304; M. Kenyon, 304; S. 
Weller, 305 ; Mr. Smith, 305 ; Usher, A. 
Van Vechten, 340. Progress of Academy, 
semi-annual cNamiiuitions, commence- 
ment exercises, and vacation balls, 352, 
353 ; copy vacation ball tickets, 354 ; es- 
tablishment of library and rules, 355 ; 
addition to, 357 ; report to Regents, 3.58; 
rules for government of students, 357 ; 
classical department closed in 1819, 365; 
young ladies admitted for evening les- 
sons, 3j0 ; a class of young Indies ad- 
mitted, 307 ; subsequent struggles and 
final surrender of Academy to the Board 
of Education, 307. 

Aertsen, Jacob, Commissioner to lay out 
roads in Ulster, 104. 

Agreement of settlers with Stuyvesant to 
concentrate. 8. 

Agricultural report, 21. 

Albany, fatal disease at, 121. 

Albertson, Arent, conviction and sentence 
for mutinous riot, 57. 

Albrechten, Jan, witli wife and daughter, 
killed at Wiltwyck, 33. 

Alexander, counsel for Zenger, silenced by 
court, 114. 

Amherst, General, takes command of Eng- 
lish forces, 142. 



Ancestral notes, 473. 

Andriesen. Dominicus and Christian, killed 
at Wiltwyck. 33. 

Andros, Major, appointed Oovernor, his 
administration, 07 ; ordered home on 
charges, 70 ; trial and acquittal, 72 ; 
appointed Governor British possessions, 
commission and arrival at New York, 
84 ; goes to Kingston, Albany and Bos- 
ton, arrest and imprisonment, 84. 

Appropriations for Ulster Court House, for 
garrison Oswego and government, 117; 
for fortilications and military operations, 
119; for Canada expeditions, 120, 121, 
124, 129, 134, 142, 144. 

Ashford, Willia;u, Assembly, 75 ; sheriff 
of Ulster, 77. 

Assembly called by Director-General, and 
names of Esopus delegates, 44 ; called 
by Governor Dongan, apportionments, 
names of Esopus delegates, 75 ; first 
enactment declaration of riglits, 75 ; oth- 
er enactments, 70 ; second sessicm, 79 ; 
dissolved, 80 ; power abrogated by king, 
80; called by Leisler, met and pro- 
rogued, 80, 87 ; Assembly authorized 
and power established by king, 89 ; call- 
ed by Governor Slougliter, and names of 
Ulster and Dutchess delegates, 90 ; ad- 
dress to Crown, and law declaratory of 
people's rights, 90 ; other laws, 91 ; con- 
vened by Governor Fletcher, and law 
passed making provision to raise meu 
for frontier posts, 95 ; dissolved, 90; new 
convened, and names of Ulster delegates, 
96 ; Governor at issue with .\ssembly as 
to an established ministry and perma- 
nent revenue for executive, 90 ; repeated 
new calls followed by dissolutions until 



542 



INDEX. 



arrival of Governor Bellomont, 97 ; con- 
vened by Governor Bellomont and imme- 
diately dissolved, 98 ; nevp convened, and 
names of Ulster delegates, 99 ; mem. of 
laws passed regulatincp elections, 99 ; 
annulling extravagant land grants, 99; 
to prevent priests tampering with Ind- 
ians, 101 ; dissolved, 101 ; new con- 
vened by Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan, 
and names of Ulster delegates, 102 ; As- 
sembly strongly Leislerian, two mem- 
bers ejected fur nou-ret-idence when sev- 
en others withdrew, 103 ; laws passed as 
to circular fences in Ulster, to secure 
regularity in elections, and annexing 
Dutchess to Ulster for seven years, and 
to restore their rights to family of Leis- 
ler, 103 ; new Assembly by Governor 
Cornbury, and Ulster and Dutchess dele- 
gates, 103 ; contests in regard to appro- 
priations and dissenting ministers, 104 ; 
law authorizing road to be laid through 
Ulster to Albany, and commissioners 
named, 104; new Assembly ordered by 
Governor Lovelace, and Ulster delegates, 
105; bills of credit issued to pay ex- 
penses of expedition to Canada, 106 ; 
new Assembly ordered by Governor 
Hunter, and Ulster delegates. 107 ; Gov- 
ernor and Assembly at issue upon ap- 
propriation bills, 107 ; an act passed con- 
firming title to land possessed since ITOO, 
107 ; Treasury bills issued for expedition 
to Canada, 108 ; controversy as to crea- 
tion by Governor of the Court of Chan- 
cery, 109 ; contest between Assembly 
and Council in regard to appropriations. 
lOy ; law passed to make good malfeas- 
ance of former governors, £27,680, 109 ; 
new Assembly at death of Queen Anne, 
and Ulster delegates, 109 ; at issue with 
Governor as to the powers of different 
branches of Government, 110; new As- 
sembly, and delegates from Ulster, 110; 
a majority in harmony with Governor, 
110; Ai'sembly grants under Governor 
Cosby a revenue to support Government 
for six years, and law passed to build 
new Court-Hou.se in Ulster, 113; Assem- 
bly failed to pay appropriation bills de- 
manded by Lieutenant-Governor Clark 
and were dissolved, 116 ; new Assembly, 
and Ulster delegates, 116 ; people's party 
in ascendant, 116 ; Governor succeeds 
in managing a majority, 117 ; various 
bills passed, 117; new Assembly by 



Governor Clinton, and delegates from 
Ulster, 118 ; law passed limiting contin- 
uance of an Assembly to seven years, 

118 ; act of Assemljly to regulate prose- 
cutions by information not acted on by 
Council, 118 ; appropriations made for 
fortifications, etc., and for defence, but 
refused for expedition against Canada, 

119 ; new Assembly convened, and Ul- 
ster delegates, 120 ; appropriations, 130, 
121 ; refusal to unite with Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut until they knew 
what the other colonies would contrib- 
nte, 131 ; new Assembly convened, dele- 
gates from Ulster, 131 ; Governor and 
Assembly at issue upon appropriation 
bills and as to manner of drawing money 
out of treasury, 133 ; address of Govern- 
or and reply of Assembly, 123 ; new 
Assembly, and delegates from Ulster, 
133 ; opening conciliatory, 123 ; appro- 
priation bill passed, 123 ; refused appli- 
cation of Pennsylvania for assistance to 
procure fidelity of Indians on Ohio River, 
134 ; refused additional appropriation 
for Indians, 124 ; controversy between 
Assembly and Council renewed, 134, 
125 ; new Assembly delegates from Ul- 
ster, 135 ; prorogued on account of prev- 
alence of smallpox, 125 ; Assembly at 
issue with the Crown in reference to 
appropriation bills, 127 ; ministry yield, 
137 ; convened by Lieutenant-Governor 
Delancey to raise money for defence of 
colonies and aggressive action against 
Frencli, 139 ; Assembly ordered rangers 
to be raised in Orange and Ulster for 
guarding Western frontier, 132 ; As- 
sembly passed bill to provide for expedi- 
tion against Crown Point and protection 
of the frontiers, 134 ; appropriation to 
pay troops to invade Canada, UO; new 
Assembly convened, delegates from Ul- 
ster, 142 ; appropriation for expedition 
against Canada, 143 ; authorized issue 
of bills of credit to pay English forces, 
143 ; appropriation for expedition 
against Montreal, 144; new Assembly 
convened by Councilman Colden, Ulster 
delegates, 145 ; refused to recruit Eng- 
lish regiments, 146; Assembly convened 
by Governor Moore, Assembly refused 
to comply with full requirements of 
mutiny act, 150 ; Parliament enacted a 
law prohibiting Legislature of New York 
from passing any law until they com- 



INDEX. 



643 



plied with mutiuy act, 150 ; Assembly 
deiiiud the power of Parliament and 
affirmed their rights, 130, l.'il ; new As- 
sembly convened, and delegates from Ul- 
ster, 133 ; Assembly dissolved, 133 ; Ul- 
ster delegates, 155 ; majority subser- 
vient to royalty, 155 ; it was the last co- 
lonial assembly, 155 ; Assembly refused 
to consider the proceediujjs of the Con- 
tinental Congress, 161 ; rejected a reso- 
lution approving the action of New York 
delegates to Congress, 161 ; also rejected 
a resolution for appointment of delegates 
to another convention, 161 ; the dele- 
gates from Ulster voted with minority, 
163 ; letter from Ijondon as to action of 
Assembly, 163 ; Assembly dissolved, 
178 ; letter of Committee of Safety in 
regard to, 178. 
Atkarkaton (Esopus), trading post estab- 
lished, 2. 

Balls at Academy commencements, 353. 

Balls, customs of cilizeos as to, 433. 

Bancker, Abraham B., 438 ; letter of, 394. 

Bancker, Evert, on Council of Safety, 290. 

Barber's lament, 463 ; reply, 453. 

Battle of Long Island, 234, 335 ; Benning- 
ton, 286 ; Oriskany, 386 ; capture of 
llighhmd forts, 388 ; burning of Kings- 
ton, 398 ; surrenderor Burgoyne, 286. 

Bayard, Nicholas, trial and conviction for 
offensive letters, 103 ; proceedings re- 
versed, 104. 

Beekman, ancestral notes, 472. 

Beeknuui, .lolin, on Committee of Observa- 
tion, 164. 

Beeckman, CJerardus, Governor, as Senior 
Councilman, 106. 

Beeckman, Henry, Justice, 77 ; Assembly, 
77, 90, 105, 107, 109. 

Beeckman, William, commissary, 47 ; over- 
seer, 60; commission on boundaries, 61, 
63. 

Bell for church, 222 ; bill of lading, 224, 
225. 

Bellomont, Earl of. Governor, 97, 98 ; dis- 
solved Assembly, 98 ; clianged his Coun- 
cil, 99 ; changed sheriffs, 99 ; death, 101. 

Bennington, battle of, 386. 

Benson, Egbert, Attorney-General, 263 ; 
Council of Safety, 290. 

Beresford, Christopher, chief magistrate, 
60 ; Boundary Commission, 61, 63. 

Biggs, John, overseer, 60. 

Bills of credit issued, 106, 109, 117. 



Binckes, one of the Dutch commodores, 
taking New York, 66. 

Blameless Rodger family mardered by In- 
dians, 134. 

Blanshan, ancestral notes, 472. 

Bloni, Rev. Harmanu?, settles at Esopus, 
23 ; copy guarantee of salary, 33 ; license 
to preach, 205 ; account of attack on 
Wiliwyck, 32 ; lost his wife and re- 
signed, 208. 

Boes, Nicholas, a captain in Dutch fleet, 
taking New York, 66. 

Bogardus, ancestral notes, 473. - — 

Bradddck, General, defeat, 131. 

Bradstreet, Colonel, expedition against 
Fort Krontenac. 141. 

Brandt raids in Ulster County, 326, 327 ; 
saves school children, 335. 

Breton, Cape, Assemoly appropriate money 
for its capture, 120. 

Bridge built across Esopus Creek, 404, 405. 

Brink, ancestral notes, 473. 

British, (iovernment assume conquest of 
Canada, 138 ; act as to provincial troops, 
130 ; plan of campaign and result, 131 ; 
naval force pass obstructions in the 
Highlands, 293. 

BrockhoUs, Lieutenant, entrusted with 
government, 70 ; letter on trouble at 
Esopus, 71 ; instructions from Duke of 
York as to Assembly, etc., 72. 

Brodhead, ancestral notes, 473. 

Brodhead, Captain, in charge of military 
at Wiltwyck, 50, 51; his instructions, 
51 ; exasperates the Dutch, 52 ; com- 
plaint, trial, suspension, and death, 53- 
57. 

Broome on committee to prepare State Con- 
stitution, 239. 

Bruyn, ancestral notes, 473. 

Bruyn, Jacobus, survey of road for block- 
houses, 134 ; Assembly, 142, 145. 

Bruyn, Jacobus S., Lieutenant-Colonel, 
243, 439. 

Buell, Jesse, establishes a paper at Kings- 
ton, 417, 418. 

Burghers at Kingston, trouble with sol- 
diers, and justify their acts, 56. 

Burgoyne, General, supersedes Carleton in 
command of army, 278 ; his progress at 
the North, 284 ; his right wing defeated, 
286 ; his surrender, 286. 

Burhans, ancestral notes, 474. 

Burhans, Jan, Schepen for Swanenburgh, 
66. 

Buruet, William, Governor of New York 



544 



INDEX. 



and New Jersey, 111 ; establislies trad- 

ing;-post at Oswego, and opposition, 111 ; 

transferred to Massachusetts, 111. 
Burr, Aaron, patronizes the artist Vander- 

lyn, 458, 459. 
Bush, Jacobus, engaged in a treasonable 

expedition, etc., 253. 
By-laws for Wiltwyck, 37. 

Cani)iaign of 177G, condition of army, 2.S0. 

Canada expeditions hy colonies, 106. 108 ; 
ordered by Englauil, Assembly appro- 
priation, but England fails to support, 
121 ; another ordered, its plan, and main- 
ly successful, 141 ; but defeated at Ti- 
coaderoga, 141. 

Canada, invasion of, determined by Con- 
gress, 169 ; disastrous result, 171. 

Cantine, ancestral notes, 475. 

Cantine, John, 397 ; Assembly, 275 ; con- 
vention as to adoption of United States 
(!onstitutJon, .392. 

Cantine, Matthew, Provisional Convention, 
180 ; Committee of Safety, 263. 

Cantine, Moses, procures ferry charter, 
197. 

Capito, Mattys, clerk of Schepens, 34 ; 
Schout, 42 ; wife killed at Wiltwyck, 33. 

Capitulation of New Amsterdam, 48. 

Captives taken by Indians and expeditions 
for recovery, 35 ; some rescued, 38 ; rest 
returned, 42. 

Cartwriglit, Captain, took possession of 
Fort Orange and Wiltwyck, 48, 49. 

Catsbaan Cliurch, appropriation from 
Trustees, 383. 

Chambers, Abraham Gaasheek, devisee of 
Foxhall, Manor, 492 ; Assembly, 110, 
116, 118. 

Chambers, Thomas, settles at Esopus 
and had grant from Indians, 6 ; taken 
prisoner and exchanged, 13; captain of 
military, 30, 32, 34, 42 ; Assembly, 44 ; 
overseer, 60 ; Justice, 63, 73 ; Lord of 
Foxhall Manor, 63 ; letter from Brock- 
hoUs, 73 ; will, 492. 

Chancery, Court of, created, 109 ; Assem- 
bly denied the power to create, 109 ; 
court confirmed by Crown, 109. 

Christmas observances, 427. 

Chriskinkle day, 427. , 

Church organized at Esopus.j "", Hid ; 
history of, 204 ; Rev. Harmanus Blora set- 
tled, 204 ; signers to his call, 304 ; first 
communion and names of communicants, 
206 ; church and parsonage built and lo- 



cations, 306 ; Blom resigns. 208 ; refuse 
to support a Church of England minis- 
ter, 105 ; new church built, 308 ; incor- 
poration and action therefor, 209, 211 ; 
repairs and " doop buys," 312 ; bell pro- 
cured, 213 ; building enlarged and thick- 
ness of walls. 213 ; Meyer, pastor, and his 
difficulties, 215 ; the cretus and confer- 
entiiB controversy dividing tbe congre- 
gation, 215 ; council of Ministers, 220 ; 
Meyer ejected from pulpit, 320 ; Dominie 
Doll settled at, 220 ; church independent 
of Classis, 221 ; burnt and rebuilt, 331 ; 
procure a new bell, 222 ; its bill of lading 
and a letter, 323 ; donation from Trus- 
tees, 223 ; application for Dutch preach- 
ing refused, 220 ; early customs, 326, 
227 ; letter to Governor Clinton, 369 ; 
address to Washington, 338 ; land pur- 
chase, 375 ; contribution from Trustees, 
382 ; church services and attendance, 
424 ; Pastors — Harmanus Blom, 1659, 
204; Petrus Tesschenmaeker as supply. 

208 ; Van Gaasbeek, 1678, 208 ; Week- 
stein, 1681, 208; Vanden Bosch, 1687, 
308 ; Nucella, 1695, 308 ; Beys, 1706, 

209 ; Vas, 1710, 309 ; Mancius assistant, 
311 ; Meyer, 1763, 315 ; Doll, 1775, 320 ; 
Gosman, 1808, 336. 

Clark, Lieutenant-Governor, 116 ; adminis- 
tration and adroit management of Assem- 
bly, 117. 

Clinton, Charles, Commissioner for survey 
of road for block-houses, 134 ; colonel of 
Provincial troops in expedition against 
Frontenac, 141. 

Clinton, De Witt, son of .laines, 400. 

Clinton, George, in Colonial Assembly. 
153, 155 ; letter to De Witt, 156 ; Provin- 
cial Convention, 166, 180 ; Continental 
Convention, 167 ; Brigadier-tieneral of 
Ulster and Orange Co. militia, 175, 244 ; 
elected Governor and Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, 366 ; notice, 367 ; qualified as Gov- 
ernor, 268 ; letter to him from Church, 
209 ; letter to convention, 280 ; appointed 
Brigadier-General by Congress, 281, 382 
orders for detachment of militia, 282 
letters to Council of Safety, 284, 293, 394 
defence and loss of Fort Montgomery 
and escape, 387 ; letters to Gates, 301, 
316, 317 ; letters to Putnam, 316 ; in con- 
vention as to adoption of United States 
Constitution, 393 ; his subsequent elec- 
tions as Governor and Vice-President, 
character and death, 398. 



INDEX. 



545 



Clinton, Aiimirnl flenrge, Governor, 118 ; 
admliiistratinn and controversies with 
Assembly, 118, 125. 

Clinion, Sir Henry, in command of Eng- 
lish forces at New York, expedition 
against forts in Highlands, 287 ; his let- 
ter to Biirgoyne. 202. 

Clinton, James, Colonel of Third Ulster 
County lieginieni, in Canada expeiii- 
tion, 170 ; in Provincial Congress, 1G7 ; 
Brigadier-lieueral Continental Army, 
234 ; in convention for adoption United 
States Constitution, 3'J2 ; offices held 
by him, his character, family, death, 
etc., 399, 400. 

Cock, Gerardus, Rev., pacificator in King- 
ston Church and treatment, 217. 

Cock, John, commissioner to lay out roads 
in Ulster, 104. 

CcEtus and conferentia; troubles in King- 
ston Cluircli, 214. 

Coin, its value established, 7.5. 

Colden, Lieutenant-Governor, 144 ; de- 
scribes effect of battle of Lexington in 
New York, 107. 

Colden, Slierill, prevented from reading 
proclamation, 177. 

Cole, ancestral notes, 47.5. 

Collier, the, and the commodore, 1.52. 

Collision between soldiers and citizens in 
New York. 1.52. 

Colonial Congress remonstrate against 
Stamp Act, 149. 

Columbus Point in 1820, 470. 

Colve, Dutch Admiral and Governor, GG, 
67. 

Comet, extraordinary appearance, etc., 70. 

Commission to examine into trouble.s at 
Kingston, .53, 57. 

Commission to arrange and settle matters 
at Kingston, 58, 59. 

Commission to estal>lish town boundaries 
and make allntnienls, G2. 

Commiitee, county and town, to be ap- 
pointed. 168. 

Committee, Executive, of New York, 158. 

Committee, Observation for Kingston, 1G4. 

Committee of Safety, 85, 171, 178, 236. 

Committee of Safety under Constitution, 
203 ; address to Congress. 283 ; address 
to delegates in Congress, 285 ; for defeat 
of conspiracies and per.ionnel thereof, 
241 ; committees continued under resolu- 
tion o( joint convention, 289. 

Communication with New York, facilities 
for, 413. 

35 



Congress of Colonial Governors at Albany, 
111. r 

Congress of Colonial deputies, 127 ; plan 
of union, 128. 

Congress, Continental, met, 153 ; abiitract 
proceedings, etc., 158 ; delegates from 
Ulster, IGG ; protest, IGG ; invasion of Can- 
ada ordered, 109; orders as to troops in 
Hiohliinds, 174 ; call on Ulster for three 
companies, ITO ; recommend organiza- 
tion of Stale governments, 179 ; adopt 
Declaration of Iiidepi-ndence, 179. 

Congress of Confederation, attempt to pro- 
cure location of at Kingston, 3G9. 

Constitution of United States adopted, 
395 ; amended, 390. 

Constitution of State of New York adopted, 
201 ; Ulster delegates. 2G2. 

Continental regiments of New York and 
account of them. lilJl. 

Convention of delegates to New Amster- 
dam — T. Chambers and O. Van Im- 
broeck, delegates from E.;opus, 44 ; re- 
fuse to levy tax, 45 ; at next meeting ad- 
vise peace with Indians. 46. 

Convention called by Leiiler, 83 (Kingston 
not represented); form themselves into a 
Committee of Safety, 85. 

Convention, a second, called, 86 ; Ulster 
repre.sented, prorogued, 87. 

Convention of New York, resolution as to 
treason, 230 ; order troops from Ulster to 
Highlands, 231 ; appoint George Clinton 
Biigadier-tieneral, and command levies 
in Highlands, 232 ; decides horsemen 
not liable to levy, 233 : arms ordered to 
regiment of Lieutenant-Colonel Harden- 
bergh, 233 ; State prisoners, ordered re- 
moval to New Jersey. 234 ; officers for 
reinforcement in Highlands, 238: direc- 
tion lo Committee on Conspiracies, 255 ; 
to prepare lleet prison, 255 ; report to 
Washington on condition of militia in 
Ulster, etc , 230; to provide lanres, 237; 
order Ulster and Orange committees to 
provide a defence for frontier. 240 ; order 
as to Tories in Ulster and Orange, 240 ; 
Special Committee on Conspiracies, 241 ; 
comnaitee to confer with (ieneral Clin- 
ton and call out militia in Ulster, etc., 
243 ; resolution in regard to, 244 ; com- 
mittee appointed to prepare Constitution, 
«.)'j ; ivenlion agreed to adjourn to 
Kingston, 2-59, 200 ; met at Kingston, 
260; Constitution reported and adopted, 
261 ; Committee on Organization of Got- 



546 



INDEX. 



eminent, 2G3 ; Committr fety ap- 

pointed, 203 ; judicial otticers 

appointed, 20-5 ; sli fi to give 

notice of election, :.vi8 ; ireacli of 

privilege, 203 ; com."), ;r; to lake 

care of rel'iigees, 265 ; ' \ . a i '.ee- .aitlior- 
ized 10 impress teams; c, 2.05; ordered 
block-liouh>» K'ii'' ; to l)e repaired, 
265 ; orderea cunif.' raised to per- 

form militia servi..'' Committee of 
Safety, 265 ; received resignation of 
George Clinton as General, refused to 
accept, 205 ; ordered Committee of Safety 
to meet at Kingston, then dissolved, 
265. 

Convention to recommend plan of General 
Government, 301 ; delegates from New 
York under special instructions — Roljert 
Yates, John Lansing, Jr. , and Alexander 
Hamilton, 391 ; Yates and Lansing witli- 
drew, 393 ; Constitution recommended, 
302. 

Convention of State to act upon adoption 
of Constitution ordered, 302 ; delegates 
elected from Ulster, 392; proceedings of 
convention, letters in regard thereto, and 
result, 392-395. 

Copp, William, established papers, 417. 

Cornbury, Viscount Edward, Governor, 
103 ; character and government, 104 ; 
attempt to force pastor on Kingston 
churcli and result, 105. 

Cornellisen, Ilendrick, murder of, by a S(j1- 
dier, 53. 

Cortelyou, Jacques, on Boundary Commis- 
sion, 01. 

Cosby, William, Governor, 112 ; contro. 
versy with Van Dam, 113 ; removed 
Chief-Justice Morris, 113; new.spaper 
attacks on him by Zenger, 113, 114 ; Zi-n- 
ger prosecuted, 114 ; trial and result, 
114, 115; death of Cosby, 115. 

Couch, Seth, Captain of No. 2 Fire Engine 
Company, 383. 

Council of Safety organized by joint con- 
vention of Legislature, 290 ; order pris- 
oners to Hartford, and letter to Govern- 
or, 200 ; letter to General Gates, 291 ; 
order for enrolment at King.ston, 291 ; 
for removal of property and records to 
place of safety, 291 ; letter from Gov- 
ernor, 294 ; despatch to Clinton, mes- 
senger's neglect, 290 ; meet at MarbU'- 
town, 318 ; Resolution as to King.ston, 
318 ; adjourn to Hurley and next to 
Pougbkeepsie, 319. 



Council of war of Dutch commodores at 

New Yoi-k, 60 ; summon mayisiratcs to 

take oath of allegiance, 00; change 

name of Kingston to Swanenbergh, 06. 
Council of war at Wiltwyck, formation and 

personnel of, 34. 
Courts opened at Wiltuyck, 27. 
Couns organized under Kingston, Trustees, 

and trial at, 185, 186. 
Courts authorized and designated, 70. 
Court of Chancery created by Hunter, 

Governor, 109. 
Court, Sui)reme, opened at Kingston, 1777, 

and charge of Chief-Justice Jay to Grand 

Jury, 270. 
Court House built in Kingston, 372. 389. 
Craunell, Counsellor, opinion on Church 

troubles, 216. 
Currency, effect of war with England on 

403. 
Crispell, ancestral notes, 476. 
Customs of inhabitants. 420. 

Dancing and balls, 203, 423. 

Davids, Christoffel, an interpreter, 37 ; re- 
port as to cajiiives and Indians, 37. 

Davis, Christopher. settled at Kingston, 5 ; 
special messenger to New York, 13. 

D'Elba, Antonio, convicted of mutiny, 57. 

De Hulter purchases one thousand acres 
from Indians, O; 

Delanieter, Cornelius, privilege from Trus- 
tees to build a mill above Tvvaalfskill, 
199. 

De Lancey appointed Chief-Justice, 113 ; 
assumes Government as Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, 127 ; his administration, and death, 
127-144. 

Delavall, Counsellor, sent on commission 
upon Esopus troubles with soldier.s. 53 ; 
on commission to settle troubles between 
inhabitants. 63 ; authorized to build store- 
house, 63 ; chief magistrate and troubles 
on bench, 71 ; letter ti> in regard to them, 
and death, 72. 

Demyer, ancestral notes, 476. 

De Mire, William, Assembly, 90. 

Depuy, ancestral notes, 476. 

Depuy, Moses, Jr., Assembly, 135. 

Despatches from English Government, 
opened by Leisler, contents, 86. 

Dewaal, William, 386, 4,38. 

De Witt, aucesiral notes, 477. 

De Witt, Charles, l.tters, 148, 154, 201, 
343 ; Assembly, 153, 155 ; Provincial 
Convention, 106, 180 ; on committee to 



INDEX. 



647 



defeat conspiracies, 241 ; on coramiltee 
to fiaiiie C'linstitution, 2.")9 ; milnwfully 
arrested iiud piirlies couvicled of breach 
of privilei^e, etc., 20:1, 2C4 ; Congress 
under conlederatioii, bSl. 

DeWItt, Charles a., 484. 

Uoll, Dominie, pastor of cliurch at King- 
ston, 220 ; letter to Governor Clinton, 
209 ; addre.*s to General Washington, 
338 ; Trustee of Academy, 350. 

Donrran, Tlionias. Governor, 80 ; instruc- 
tions vest full legislative power in Gov- 
ernor and Council, and charter of fran- 
chises to people repealed, 81 ; Kinjjston 
patent granted, 82 ; trouljh'S with French 
and Indians, 83 ; tax levied, 83 ; super- 
seded, 84. 

Dress, custom as to, 423. 

Duane, Counsellor, opinion as to church 
trouljles, 218. 

Dii 13ois, ancestral notes, 477. 

I)u Bois, Lewis, to command Fifth New 
York Battalion, 243. 

Du Hois, IjDuis (Walloon), attacked by In- 
dians, 41 ; overseer, (iO ; agency in 
troubles at E-opus, 71. 

Du Bois. Petrr aud Walter, protest, 166. 

Duer, Mr., on committee to prepare Consti- 
tution, 2.59. 

Duke's Laws extended over the province, 
their provisions, 60. 

Duinond, ancestral notes, 479. 

Duniond, Kjjbert, Provincial Congress, 167 ; 
sheriff of I'Uter, 203. 

Dunscomb, Daniel, on Council of Safety, 
290. 

De Pui, Moses, .Jr., Colonial Assembly, 
• 12.5. 

De Pni, Nicholas, tradition as to mine 
road and mines, 411. 

Dutch settlements in Minisink, 411. 

Dutch festivals and observance, 427. 

Dutchess County electors to vote in Ulster, 
102. 

Duties prohibitory imposed by Parliament, 
and effect, 147. 

East India Company establish trading 
posts, 2. 

Easter observance, 437. 

Ebel, Peter, Sergeant, arrives with rein- 
forcements, 34. 

Eddyville in 1820, 470. 

Educational matters in Kingston, 341 ; 
fund invested for by Trustees, 341 ; 
academy established, 343 ; rate bill of 



English school at burning of Kingston, 
344 ; after burning of Kingston em- 
ployineot of tt-#cl|e 34.5. 

Elections, reg^ldt -ill of, 202. 

Election .iQ( S(t<t.t<i,(i 3ers, result, 206. 

Ellison, Colon*"! I' .las, letter in reference 
to Fi>rt Williai n- p-^ij-yytion, 137. 

EIraendorf, auce .tes, 4.1). 

Klmendorf, Cot House, republican 

quarters, 4.56. 

Elmendorf, C. E., Captain of Fire Engine 
Company, resigned, 37.5. 

Elmendorf, J. C, Captain No. 1 Fire En 
gine Company, 383. 

Elmendorf, Lucas, turnpike experience, 
408-410 ; sketch of life, 447. 

Elting, ancestral notes, 479, 480, 

Kiting, Peter, letter events below High- 
lands, 239. 

EniigrMuts, character of, 3. 

English claims upon Dutch possessions, 43. 

English expedition against New Nether- 
lands, 47. 

English failure to support expedition or- 
dered against Canada, 121. 

English prohiliitory duties, evil effect and 
resistance, 147 ; repeal certain laws, 156 ; 
course toward Boston and New York, 
157. 

Esopus, settlement, 6 ; Indian trouble, 7 ; 
arrival of Stuyvesaut. 7 ; forms a village. 
8 ; plan of stockade. ; invested by Ind- 
ians, 12 ; soldiers fall into ambuscade. 
12: peace with Indians, 2U ; agricultural 
productions, 21 : church organized, 22 ; 
village charter granted lumie W iltwyck, 
25 ; Indian alarm, 30 ; trouble with mili- 
tary, 52 ; petition for power to elect 
minor officers, 77 ; petitioners indicted 
therelor, 78. (See Wiltwyck.) 

Evans grant of land, Flelcherdon Manor 
vacated, 99. 

Evert.se, Cornelius, Jr., commodore Dutch 
fleet, 07. 

Expedition against French, and Governor 
\Vinthrop's failure, 87. 

Expedition, another, against Canada, 93. 

Expedition, Sullivan, against Indians, 327. 

Fairs established by law, 91. 

Fantasticals in militia, 433. 

Federalists' action iu war with England, 

400. 
Ferry established at Rliinebeck, 107. 
Ferry across Kondout Creek and sale of. 

381. 



548 



INDEX. 



Festivals and observance, 427. 

Fiero, Christian, on Committee of Obser- 
vation, 164. 

Financial distress, 148. 

Fire-eugine ordered, 139, 199 ; received, 
200. 

Fire-engine Company orjfanized by Trus- 
tees to take charge of engine, 37.5 ; C. E. 
Elmendorf, captain, 375 ; resigned, N. 
Vauderlyn, Jr., appointed, 376; dis- 
banded, 376 ; new company organized, 
N. Vanderlyn, Jr., captain, 376 ; rules 
adopted, 376 ; engine transferred to vil- 
lage and department reorganized, 383 ; 
N. Vanderlyn, Jr., foreman, 383 ; anoth- 
er engine bought and department reor- 
ganized, and Janie.s C. Elmendorf made 
captain of No. 1 and Seth Couch of No. 
3, 383; fire in Kingstou, 1776, and 
houses burnt, 203, 38.5, 386. 

Fisheries in Kingstou, 373. 

Fletcher, Benjamin, appointed Governor, 
his arrival, administration, dishonesty, 
and recall, 9,5, 97. 

Fletcherdon Manor vacated, 99. 

Floyd, William, on Council of Safety, 290. 

Forts in Highlands, 379 ; captured, etc., 
388. 

Forts, Indian, location and capture, 35, 37 ; 
description of, 40. 

Forts Monigomery and Clinton captured 
and Fort Constitution demolished, 288. 

Fort Orange surrendered to Britisli, 48. 

Foxhall Manor created, 63 ; confirmatory 
grant. 6-t. 

Franklin, Benjamin, plan of union against 
Indians, 128. 

French in Canada, operations, 62 ; annoy 
frontiers, 83 ; expedition for invasion, 
87,; operations in West, 128. 

Freer, Garret and Jan, 3.)0. 

Freer, Samuel, 417; Samuel S., 417, 418. 

Freligli, Samuel, 253. 

Freshets, 300. 

Funerals, pipes, tobacco, and liquor fur- 
nished, 303. 

Qansevoort, L., on committee to defeat 

conspiracies, 241. 
Qardinier, Barent, 418, 4.51. 
Uardinier, Dick, warrant against, 256. 
Oarton, Thomas, Justice, 77; Assembly, 

96, 105, 107. 
Gaslierie, ancestral notes, 480. 
Oaspe, anecdote connected with burning, 

153. 



Gates, General, letters, 229 ; to Vaughan, 
301. 

Gazette, Ulster, 418. 

Gemeco surrendered to English, 44. 

Gerretson, Adrieu, Assembly, 102. 

Gerretson, Barent, killed at Wiltwyck 
massacre, 33. 

Goes, Matthew, Jr., warrant against, 256. 

Gosnian, John, pastor of Kingst(m Church, 
226 ; President Academy, 364. 

Governors, Colonial — (Dutch), Minuit, 4 
Van Twiller, 4 ; Kieft, 4 ; Stuy vesant 
5; Colve, 66; (English), Nicolls, 48 
Lovelace, 58 ; Andros, 67 ; Brockbolls 
70 ; Dongan, 74 ; Andros, 84 ; Leisler, 
85 ; Sloughter, 89 ; Ingoldsby, 93 
Fletcher, 95 ; Bellomont, 97 ; Nanfan 
101 ; Cornbury, 103; Lovelace, 105; In 
goldsby. Lieutenant, 105 ; Beeckman 
senior councilman, 106; Hunter, 107 
Schuyler, senior councilman, 110 ; Bur- 
net, 110; Montgomerie, 112; Rip Van 
Dam, senior councilman, 112 ; Cosby, 
112 ; Clarke, 116 ; Clinton, 118 ; Osborne, 
136 ; De Lancey, Lieutenant, 127, 135 ; 
Hardy, 132 ; Colden, senior councilman, 
145; Monckton, 146; Moore, 149; Try- 
on, 155. 

Gravesend surrendered to English, 44. 

Grevenwart, Sheriff, 63 ; Schout, 66. 

Habits of settlers, 423. 

Hall, George, Sheriff, 67. 

Hamilton of Philadelphia, counsel for Zen- 
ger, 114 ; his triumph, 115. 

Hap, William Janse, killed at the massa- 
cre of Wiltwyck, 33. 

Ilardenbergh, ancestral notes, 480. 

Hardeubergh, Johannis G., Assembly, 375. 

Hardenbergh, Johannis, Provincial Con- 
gress, 167 ; Assembly, 116, 120, 123. 

Hardenbergli, Johannis, Jr., Lieutenant- 
Colonel, stationed for defence of New 
York, short of arms, application for sup- 
ply, 333. 

Hardy, Governor, 1,33 ; left with fleet, 135 ; 
message as to murders in Ulster, 133. 

Harper, Robert, Committee of Safety, 263 ; 
Council of Safety, 390. 

Harrison, of Governor's Council, malprac- 
tice exposed, and Hight, 113. 

Hasbrouck, ancestral notes, 480. 

Hasbrouck, Abraham, Assembly, 99, 118, 
131, 142, 145; commissioner to lay out 
roads, 104 ; refusal to serve as colonel, 
175, 176; diary entries as to weather, 



UfDEX. 



549 



freshets, etc., 200; agency in churcli 
troubles, 21G. 

Hasbrouck, Abraham Bruyn, 449. 

Hawkins, Colonel of Kingston Regiment, 
War of 1812, 401. 

Heath, Major-General, assigned to com- 
mand of forces in Highlands, 233. 

Heemstede surrendered to Knglish, 44. 

Hendrix, Mattys, settles at Esopus, 5. 

Hepljurn, Uev., of English Church, sent to 
Kingston, refused, 10.5. 

Heymans, Albert, convicted of mutiny, 57 ; 
overseer for Hurley, 60. 

Hobart, John S., on committee to prepare 
Constitution, 2.19 ; on committee to or- 
ganize Government, 202, 263 ; appointed 
Jud^ie Supreme Court, 263. 

Hoffman, ancestral notes, 481. 

Hotfuians jjioneers in cement, 414. 

Holidays observed, 203, 427. 

Holland grant to New NetUerland Com- 
pany, 3. 

Holland answer to remonstrance and states 
power of West India Company, 45. 

Holt, John, established paper, its emblem, 
etc., 163, 417. 

Hornbeek, ancestral notes, 481. 

Hornbeek. Jacob, Provincial Convention, 
167. 

Housrhteling, ancestral notes, 49.'). 

Howe, (Jeneral, plan of campaign, 228 ; 
efforts to create disaffection. 234 ; his 
advantages at battle of Long Island, 234; 
his character, 235 ; treatment of prison- 
ers, 236 ; proceeds against New York and 
Pennsylvania, 242 ; his plan of cam- 
paign for 1777, 277. 

Howe, Sir W'illiam, report on marauding 
expedilion up the Hudson, 300. 

Hudson, Hcndrick, discovery, and return to 
Europe, 2. 

Hulier, Johan D.. settles at Esopus, and 
purchase of Indians. 6. 

Hunter, Governor, 107 ; controversy with 
Assembly, 107; treaty with Indians, and 
leaves fur Europe, 110. 

Hurley located and lots allotted to sol- 
diers, 60 ; Du Bnis and Heymans over- 
seers and Christopher Beresfoni Chief 
Magistrate, 60 : (ieneral Washington 
visits, address of its Trustees, and reply, 
335. 

Hns^ey. Frederick, overseer for Marble- 
town, 60. 

Improvements in Kingston, 403. 



Indians, Algonquins, and Esopus, 3 ; at- 
tacked by order of Kieft, and Indian 
war, 4, 5 ; gift of land to Stuy vesant, and 
conference, 10; attacked by SlolI and 
others at Esopus and murdered, 12 ; at- 
tack soldiers and take sergeant and 
thirteen men prisoners, 12 ; some of pris- 
oners tortured and some ransomed or 
exchanged, 13; expedition against, 15; 
Stuyvesant sends some Indians to Cu- 
ra9oa, 16 ; expedition against, 17 ; truce 
agreed ou, 18 ; peace, 19 ; they attack 
Wiltwyck, 31 ; expeditions against, 34, 
37, 40; forts, location of, 35, 39,41 ; Eso- 
pus clan broki-n up, 42 ; treaty of peace, 
40 ; treaty wi'.li Nicolls, 51, .52 ; II. Paw- 
ling officer over, 60 ; conference and 
agreement with, 68 ; in Xortheru New 
York, suspicious actions, 62 ; annoying 
frontiers, 83 ; trouble with and attacked 
by Schuyler, 95 ; operation by French. 
120 ; outrages in Ulster, 132, 133, 139 ; 
Esopus, di-meanor after second Esopus 
war, 186; raid threatened at Papakonk. 
239 ; friendly, addressed by Committee 
of Safety, 266 ; preparations in anti- 
cipation of an attack, 284; Sullivan's 
expedition, 327; Slianks Ben and oth- 
ers attack on .lansen, Shawangunk. 
328 ; on Captaiu Snyder, Saugerties. 
329. 

Information, proceedings by, 114, 118, 
119. 

Ingoldsby, Captain, demands fort from Leis- 
ler, 88 ; assumes government on death 
of Sloughier, 93 ; and on death of Love- 
lace, 105 ; removed, 106. 

Jacobs, Harmon, killed at Ponckhockie, 6. 

.Jncobson, Peter, appointed officer of militia. 
30. 

Jacob's Valley, resort for pleasure and fish- 
ing, 425. 

James 11., his instructions to Governor in 
restraint of liberty, 81 ; unites British 
possession under Governor Aiidros and 
Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. 84 ; ab- 
dicates throne. .85. 

Jan the Smith killed at Wiltwyck massa- 
cre, 33. 

Janeen, Ilendrick, appointed officer militia, 
:S0. 

Jansen, ancestral notes, 482. 

Jansen, Johannis, .Assembly, 121, 123, 125 ; 
attacked by Indians, 328. 

Jay, John, oa committee to defeat conspir- 



550 



INDEX. 



acies, 241; do. to prepare Constitution, 
259 ; do. to ororanjze State tioveinmeiit, 
263; do. C-innnittee of Safety, 203 ; ap- 
pointed Chief- Justice, 263 ; cliarge to 
Grand Jury, 270. 

.Jesuit priests expelled, 101. 

Johnson, Sir William, defence of Fort Ed- 
ward, 131. 

Joosten, Jacob, messenger to Court and 
Church, 27. 

Judicial officers appointed for State, 263 

July 4, observance of, 428. 

Kieft, Governor, 4 ; massacre of Indians, 
5 ; recalled, 6. 

Kiersted, ancestral notes, 482. 

Kiersted, Roeliff. appointed Schepen of 
Swanenburgli, 66. 

Kipp, Jacob, application for ferry, 197. 

Kingston (see Esopus, Wiltwyck, and 
Trustees), trouble with soldiers at, 53; 
complaint and trial under secret instruc- 
tions, 54 ; name given to villajie, 59 ; 
Thomas Chambers and Williftm Beeck- 
man, overseers, 6') ; orders to renew 
stockade, 62 ; George Hall, sheriff, K. 
Peacock, constable, 67; Governor An- 
dros, letter to, 67 ; lots laid out for in- 
habitants, 68 ; troubles in court, 73 ; con- 
stables appointed, 77 ; patents granted 
to Trustees of Freeholders, etc., 83 ; 
does not recognize Leisler, 85 ; called on 
for aid against French invasion, 87 ; fur- 
nish troops, etc., for expedition against 
Canada, 88 ; fairs arranged for, 91 ; 
repeal of bolting act, 97 ; snpport Con- 
tinental Congress, few malcontents, 
163; proceedings of meeting with other 
towns, 104 ; Committee of Ob.servation 
appointed, 104; association agreement 
signed, 109 ; militia officers, 172 ; do. of 
horse, 178 ; allowed 2 supervisors in 
1743, 198 ; improve after peace with In- 
dians 180 ; description of lowlands and 
streams in vicinity, 182 ; strength of 
building walls, 187 ; committee order 
sloop seized, 174 ; State prisoners or- 
dered removed from, 234 ; report to con- 
vention as to Indian raids, 210 ; tea 
troubles in, 210 ; prisoners sent to Hart- 
ford, 290 ; British expedition against and 
destruction of, 297 ; extent of damage, 
303 ; documents as to sufferers, 305 ; 
names of, 300 ; map of, 3118 ; traditions, 
309, 311 ; relief from South Carolina, 
310; from R. R. Livingston, 311, 322; 



English official reports as to expedition 
against Kingston, 299, 300 ; address to 
Governor and Governor's reply, 321 ; dis- 
covery of remains of breastworks at 
Pouckhockie, 313 ; militia exempt from 
drafts engaged in rebuilding, 322 ; 
Washington's visit, address, and reply, 
337 ; do. by Consistory, 338. 

Kingston village incorporated, 382 ; or- 
ganization, 383 ; Fire Department, 383. 
attempt to organize a watch, 384 ; ma- 
larial fever, and mill-pond drained, 385; 
large fire, 380 ; tornado, 389 ; descrip- 
tion and map of in 1820, 435, 430 ; sup- 
port Government in war witli England, 
400, 401 ; meetings, 401 ; committee 
appointed, 401; illumination, 402; com- 
merce by sloop, 413, 413. 

Klyne Esopus Church, apiiropriation from 
Trustees, 382. 

Kregier, Martin, command at Wiltwyck, 
and reinforced, 34. 

La Montague, William, appointed Secre- 
tary for three towns, 66. 

Langdon, Jonathan, on Council of Safety, 
290. 

Laws, Colonial, passed by Assembly, de- 
claratory of rights, 75, 90 ; power to 
enact vested by James II. in Govern- 
or and Council, 81 : power to enact 
vested by William and .Mary in Govern- 
or, Council, and Assembly, 89 ; passed, 
dividing province into shires and coun- 
ties, 76, 91 ; e.-tablishing courts in cities 
and towns and counties, 90 ; county and 
town officers. 91 ; establishing fairs and 
markets, 91 : Pypowder court, 91 ; 
against profanation of Sunday, 92, 99 ; 
regulating and to prevent frauds at 
elections. 99 ; annulling Some extrava- 
gant land grants. 99 ; expelling Jesuit 
priests, 101 ; circular lences in Ulster, 
and electors of Dutchess to vote in Ul- 
ster, 102 ; for survey and laying out 
roads, 104; repose of land titles, 107; 
to repair Ulster Court House, 110, 
112. 

I,eatherstocking's (Cooper) description of 
the burning of Kingston, 314. 

Lebe, Willem Jansen, killed at Wiltwyck 
Tnassaere, 33. 

Legislature of State organization in Kings- 
ton, 275 ; dispersed on approach of Brit- 
ish, and joint convention organized, 289 ; 
action as to convention to revise articles 



INDEX. 



551 



of confederation, 301 ; bs to convention 
to pass upon tlie adupiion of the United 
States Conslitiition, Dili. 

Leisler, Jacob, takes possession of (iovern- 
inent, and procfedin<rs, 80, 80 ; expedi- 
tion against Canada a failiiic. 87 ; con- 
troversy witli Captain Iiisfnldsby, 88; 
his imprisonment, trial, conviction, and 
execution. 89 ; conviction reversed by 
Parliament and his heirs restored to 
their ri^lits, 103. 

Lexinjrton, bailie of. Kifl. 

Liberties, charter of. piissed by Colonial 
AB8eml)ly, 75; refusal to confirm, 80; 
repealed. 81. 

Liberty ])oles erected by citizens cut down 
by soldiers. l.Vi. 

Liglithorse company of Kingston assigned 
to express duty, 28^!. 

Livingston, Abraham, transmits contril>u- 
tion of Charlestowu for Kingston suffer- 
ers, 310. 

Livingston. Robert R., appointed Chancel, 
lor. 2();i ; gift of land to Kingston. 311, 
322, 324 ; burning of his house, 313 ; re- 
ception at Kingston. 443. 

Loan officers created. 1 17. 

Lockwood, P. V. D., pioneer in biuestone, 
414. 

Locusts, visitations of, 200. 

Loonian, Hendrick Jansen, killed at Wilt- 
wyck massacre, 33. 

Lot. owners in Wiltwyck. names of, 28, 
29. 

Lord Loudoun, Commander-in-chief of 
British army. 134 ; campaign against 
Cape Breton and Canada, 135; super- 
seded, 140. 

Lovelace. Krancis. Colonel, appointed 
(iovernor. 58 ; he appointed commission 
to regulate affairs at Esopus, 58 ; names 
of the comniissinuers. 58; he disclinrjrod 
the garrison, leaving duty for burghers, 
58 ; coiiimissiouers maile ordinances and 
directed repair of the O.iminie's or t'lwn 
house in Kingston. .W ; Thomas Ciiam- 
bers appointed surveyor of higlnvays, 
59 ; changed name of Wiltwyck t.i 
Kingston. 59 ; Dnke's laws extended 
over Ulster and siatement of their pro- 
visions. <iO ; ap|ininteil commission to 
settle disputes between inhabitants of 
Kingston. 63; Is»ac (ireevenwait ap- 
pointed sheriff. 63 ; Foxhall Manor 
erected and copy of i<atont thereof to 
Thomas Chambers, 63 ; in absence of 



Governor, New York was surrendered to 

the Dutch, 65. 
Lovelace, .bdin, appointed Governor, 105 ; 

very early deatli. 105. 
Low, ancestral notes. 482. 
Lnw, family traililions connected with 

burning of Kingston, 311, 312. 
Low. Jacobus, censured by committee for 

sale of tea, arraigned. 165. 
Lyman. General, at Fort Edward, 131. 

Mamakating precinct. Tory plot disclosed. 
2.51 ). 

Manhattan Island, purchase from Ind- 
ians. 4. 

Mancius. Dominie, assistant to Dominie 
Vas. 211 ; ministers until death. 214. 

Manners and customs, 202, 420. 

Manning, Captain, surrenders New York 
to the Dutch, 65. 

Manorial grants and accompanying evils, 
100. 

Marbletown located and lots to be allotted 
to soldii-rs. 6 t : Christopher Beresford, 
Chief Magistrate, and Biggs and IIus- 
sey. overseers. 60. 

Marius Uroen, ancestral notes, 483. 

Marius (iroen. Peter. Speaker of Trustees, 
refuses to transfer corporation funds, in- 
dictel and tried therefor, 389 ; surro- 
gate, and held other ollices, 451. 

Market house built and allowances at dur- 
ing building. 197. 

Martins. Hendrick, killed at massacre at 
Wiltwyck. 33. 

Masiiiiic Order, annual observance of. June 
24lh. 430. 

Ma.ssacre at Willwyrk and new village, 
31. 

Ma.sten, ancestral notes. 484. 

Meyer. Rev. Hermanus settled as pastor 
at Kingston. 215: compelled to take 
ontli of allegiance. 216 ; marriage, 316 ; 
inv(dved in difficulties and driven from 
pulpit, 220; preachers in private houses 
until c;illed el>ewhere, 220. 

Miiidigh. Jacob. 252 ; convicted of treason, 
I 251 ; hanged. 255. 
i Militia organized. 30. 42. 

-Milili:! guarding frontiers, 175'?. and liSt 
of officers, 135; do. 1757. 138; do. 1758, 
142 ; do. 1759. 143 ; sent. 1757, troops for 
relief of Fort William Henry, list of 
officers, 137 ; list of officers in four Ulster 
County ri'giinents in 1775, 170. 172, 173, 
175. (See -Vppeudix.) 



552 



INDEX. 



Militia force of State ordered out, 236. 
(As to local militia, see Ulster County.) 

Militia, organizatioa under State laws in 
18'20, 430 ; company and general parades, 
431 ; uniformed company or;iaiiizBd iu 
Kingston, 433. 

Mines and minerals reported, and letter in 
regard to it, 21. 

Minuit, Peter, Governor, 4. 

Moncklon, General, appointed Governor, 
but .soon left for Martinique, 146. 

Montajfue, the Englisli admiral, and tUe 
collier, story of, 152. 

Montcilm, Marquis, commander of French 
forces iu America, 131; death, 143. 

Montgomerie, Jolin, appointed Governor, 
in 1728, died, 1731, 112. 

Montjromery, appointed to command New 
York regiments for Canada, 171 ; killed 
at his assault upon Quebec, 171. 

Morris, Chief-Justice, removed by Govern- 
or Cosby, 113. 

Morris, Gouverneur, on committee to pre- 
pare Constitution, 259 ; do. to report 
plan for State Government and Commit- 
tee of Safety, 263. 

Munroe, Colonel, his defence of Fort Wil- 
liam Henry, 135. 

Munsell, Jabez, principal of Academy, 
364, 

Mutiny Act, Assembly refuse to obey, 150; 
next Assembly tuccumb, 155, 

Mr. McMillan, principal of Academy, 317. 

Myer, Abraham, 440. 

Nanfan, Lieutenant-Governor, succeeds to 

Government, 101. 
Naval officers, English, arbitrary and iu- 

sultinff conduct, and how resented, 140, 

152, 
Needliam, counsellor, commissioner on 

troubles at Kingston, 53. 
Never sink, fabulous account of mines at, 21. 
Newkirk, ancestral notes, 484. 
New Netherlands, surrender to English, 

48 ; remarks on stealth of, 40 ; retaken 

by Dutch, 05 ; restored to Englisli, 07. 
New Paltz Patent, granted, and settlement, 

69. 
Newspapers, account of, 417. 
New vilUifre, Hurley, settled, 31 ; burnt 

by Indians, 31. 
New Year, observance of, 427. 
New York City, Leisler iu possession of 

fort, 35 ; slave insurrection in, 117 ; yil- 

low fever in, 118; citizens appoint Com- 



mittee of Correspondence, 149 ; action 
of citizens, 157 ; appoint Executive 
Committee, 158 ; attack on for removal 
ot cannon, 173. 

Nicolls, Colonel, in ntme of Duke of York 
demands surrender of province, 47 ; sur- 
render made, 48; conciliatory conduct, 
49 ; commissioned by Duke of York as 
his deputy, 50 ; proposes code of laws 
and submits to convention of deputies 
from Long Island, 50 ; he visits Kings- 
ton and puts Captain Brodhead in charge 
of military, 50; gives him special in- 
structions and advice, 51 ; offers induce- 
ments to settlers. 52 ; appoints commis- 
sion to settle difficulties at Kingston be- 
tween the burghers and military, 58 ; 
gives secret instructions in advance di- 
recting their judgment, 53; commutes 
the sentence of those convicted, 57 ; 
fears an attack from the Dutch, 58 ; re- 
lieved from command, 58. 

Nicholson, Captain, appointed Lieutenant- 
Governor British possession.s, 84 ; left in 
charge of New York, 84; surrendered 
keys and left New York, 85. 

Nicholson, John, Provincial Congress, 167. 

Niessen, Eiisigu, arrived at Wiliwyck, 33 ; 
skirmish with Indians, 33. 

Non-intercourse, partial, with Great Brit- 
ain, 149. 

Nova Scotia reduced, 131. 

Nucilhi, Rev., pastorate, 308. 

Officers in militia, Ulster County: of regi- 
ment for Canada invasion, 170 ; of mili- 
tia on reorganization, 172 ; of Orange 
and Ulster militia for service in High- 
lands, 174 ; of minute-men and Southern 
regiment of Ulster and militia, 175 ; 
militia defending the frontiers, 1750, 
135 ; with their conmiands sent to Fort 
Edward in 1757, 137 ; do., scouting 
frontiers, 1757, 138; do., 1758, 142 ; do., 
1759, 143 ; officers of Fifth Battalion, 
Lewis Du 'Buis, Colonel, 243. 

Olierts, Harry, negro killed at massacre of 
Wiltvvyck, 33. 

Oriskany, battle of, 286. 

Osborne, Sir Danvers, arrival as Governor, 
and suicide, 120. 

Osterhoudt, ancestral notes, 485. 

Oswego, trading posts established. 111 ; 
abolished, 112 ; appropriation for, 117 ; 
lorts at, demolished by French, 134. 

Owners of lots in Wiltwyck, 28. 



! 



INDEX. 



553 



Parks, Artliur, delegate to Provincial Con- 
gress, 180. 

Parliament, action as to Colonial troops, 
130 ; imposing proliibitoiy duties, 147 ; 
passn-^e of Stamp Act and resistance, 

149 ; repeal it, but declare right to tax, 

150 ; proliibit .\ssembly from acting un- 
til they comply with Mutiny Act, 1.50 ; 
power denied by Assembly, 150 ; im- 
pose duties on t<'a, etc ,151 ; repeal except 
as to threepence per pound on tea, 151. 

Parties, political, origin and rise of, 398 ; 
violence, 400. 

Parties, social tea, etc., 422. 

Pawling, Albert, delegate to Assembly, 
120. 

Pawling, Henry, chief officer over Indians, 
00 ; on commission establishing town 
boundaries, 03. 

Pawling, Levi, delegate to Provincial Con- 
vention, 100, 180 ; Senator, 275 ; first 
Judge, 203 ; Council of Safety, 200. 

Peace, negotiations with Indians, 15, 10, 
18; treaty of, 20, 40; concluded between 
English and French, 122 ; with Eng- 
land, 1TS3. 339 ; do., 1814, 402. 

Peacocli. Robert, appointed constable Eso- 
pus, 07. 

Pells, ancestral notes, 485. 

Pels, Elvert, appointed Schepen. 27. 

Pennsylvania refuses to contribute for de- 
fence against Indians, 120 ; its call after- 
ward for assistance refused, 124. 

People refuse to pay taxes, etc., and de- 
mand representation, 71 ; oppose prohibi- 
tory duties, 147 ; oppose Stamp Act, 149, 
150. 

Perry, (J. B., principal of Academy, 363. 

Persen. ancestral notes, 485. 

Petition for riglit to elect minor ollicers, 
77 ; met by indictment for riot, 78 ; of 
Trustees for troops to defend Irontier, 
332. 

Petrifactions, etc., 42.5. 

Phillipse appointed second Judge by Colve, 
113. 

Pine Bush, Rochester, murder of families 
in, by Indians and Tories, 325. 

Piatt, Zephauiah, on commission to defeat 
conspiracies, 241 ; Committee of Safety, 
263. 

Plrbeian, I'lster, 417. 

Ponckhnckic, houses burned and man kill- 
ed by Indians, 6 ; breastworks, etc., at 
burning of Kingston, 297 ; remains of, 
313. 



Porter, Captain, with Rangers to guard 
frontier, 139. 

Postal facilities, 410 ; post-offices and 
routes, 417. 

Preymaker, Indian chief, killed, 18. 

Printing-press and publications restricted, 
81. 

Prisoners at Kingston ordered removal to 
New Jersey, 234 ; committee appointed 
to examine, 201 ; large arrival of from 
Albany. 207 ; troojjs ordered for their 
safe keeping, 207 ; removal to Connecti- 
cut, 290. 

Proclamation declaring Clinton Governor 
to be printed and read at Court Ilouse, 
268. 

Province, trade and prosperity crippled by 
English Government, 147. 

Provincial Convention determined on, 106 ; 
prote.st against, KiO ; delegates from 
Ulster, 166 ; meet, 167 ; re-elect dele- 
gates to Continental Congress and also 
appoint five more, including George 
Clinton, 107 ; new Convention elected 
delegates from Ulster, 107 ; meet, 168 ; 
establish order and rank of New York 
regiments, 170 ; arrangement of Ulster 
regiments, 170 ; appoint Committee of 
Safety with power, 171 ; reorganize mili- 
tia, 172 ; Ulster delegates appointed, 
174; appoint militia officers for Ulster 
County, 175 ; refusal of Abraham Has- 
brouck to serve, and action thereon, 175, 
176 ; refer to people to select, 176 ; Con- 
gress to adopt form of government, 179 ; 
delegates at that time, 179 ; refer elec- 
tion of delegates to people, 180 ; dele- 
gates elected from Ulster, 180 ; approve 
Declaration of Independence, 180 ; and 
the action of delegates in Continental 
Congress, 180. (See Convention of New 
York.) 

Purchasing from Indians regulated, 187 ; 
form of consent, 187. 

Putnam, Major-General, assigned to com- 
mand forces in Highlands, 233. 

Py powder Court provided for' fairs in 
Ulster County and Kingston, 91 ; descrip- 
tion and jurisdiction of, 92. 

Quarries, bluestone and cement, opening 
of, 414. 

Records, loss of, 183 ; public, ordered sent 
to Kingston, 241 ; removal ordered to 
Rochester, 291. 



554 



INDEX. 



Re<;iraents, New York, officers and relative 
rank of, 170 ; Ulster County and field 
officers, 170, 173 ; officers of Colonel 
Snj'der's regiment, 238. 

Rensselaerwyck, troubles at, 5. 

Report of committee as to reinforcing forts 
in tUe Highlands, 237 ; do., as to mili- 
tia remaining in Ulster and some other 
counties, 241. 

Revenue laws expired, and effect, 71. 

RUiuebeck, mutiny in troops at, and troops 
from Ulster sent to quell, 250. 

Ritzemas', Colonel, Ulster County Regiment 
in battle, 243. 

Roads, commission appointed to lay out, 
104 ; mine road through Rondout Valley, 
411 ; Trustees build road to Schoharie, 
375 ; proceedings for road across Esopus 
flats, 404. (See also Turnpikes.) 

Rocks, favorite resort at Kingston, 424. 

Rock, Indian inscription on, at Esopus 
Landing, 496. 

Roggen, ancestral notes, 485. 

Rondout Creek, fort built at, 3 ; its rise 
and course to river, 183. 

Roosa, ancestral notes, ^ 483. 

Roosa, Jacobus, Tory expedition, 253 ; con- 
victed of treason, 354 ; hanged, 355. 

Roose, Elbert Hymans, appointed Scliepen, 
27. 

Rutsen, Jacob, Assembly, 96, 99, 102, li)9, 
110. 

Ruggles, Charles H. , 449. 

Sackct, N., on committee to defeat con- 
spiracies, 341. 

Salisbury, ancestral notes, 485. 

Saxe family attacked by Indians, 139. 

St. Nicholas day, 427. 

Schenectady, massacre at, 87. 

Schepmoes, ancestral notes, 487. 

Schepens, first, for Wiltwyck, 27. 

Schoharie, Colonel Pawling sent with de- 
tachment to protect, 284. 

Schoonmaker, ancestral notes, 487. 

Schoonmaker, Cornelius C. , on committee 
of Sliawangunk examination of Tory ex- 
pedition, 253 ; on committee for relief of 
refugees, 205 ; Assembly, 375 ; member 
of convention upon adoption of United 
States Constitution, 303 ; letters from 
convention, 393, 394 ; offices, 397. 

Schoonmnker, Egbert, on Committee of Ob- 
servation, 104. 

Schoonmaker, Hendrick, on Committee of 
Observation, 104. 



Schoonmaker, Hendrick Jochem, married, 
38 ; Lieutenant, 30, 34 ; wounded at 
Wiltwyck, attack on, 33 ; one of the 
War Council, 34 ; settles at Rochester, 
28. 

Scott, J. Morin, General, his brigade refuse 
to re-enlist, 243 ; on committee to prepare 
Constitution, 259 ; on committee to re- 
port plan for organization of government, 
202 ; on Committee of Safety, 203 ; on 
Council of Safety, 390. 

Schuyler, General, goes to England with 
Indian chiefs, 100 ; letter to, as to his 
condition at the North, 385, 395. 

Settlers, character of early, 3, 181, 430 : 
indignant at conduct of Kieft, 5 ; fear of 
Indians, 6. 

Senate House, 443. 

Senators elected in middle district, 367. 

Shawangunk, Precinct of, examination as 
to Tory expedition, 353. 

Shirley, General, in command of English 
forces, 133 ; superseded, 133. 

Skeel, R. R., his statement as to Kingston 
commerce, 413. 

Slave insurrection in New York and ori- 
gin, 117. 

Sleght, ancestral notes, 489. 

Sleclit, C. Barentsen, signed agreement to 
concentrate and build stockade, 8 ; his 
sou, prisoner to Indians, made to run the 
gauntlet, 13 ; amount of grain sowed by 
him, 21 ; appointed Schepen, 37 ; his 
wife Tryntje licensed as midwife, 38; 
officer in militia, 30 ; trial and conviction 
of mutiny, 57 ; his daughter, taken pris- 
oner, and married an Indian, 43. 

Slecht, Joliannis, Chairman Committee of 
Observation, 104 ; report on tea troubles 
in Kingston, 247, 248 ; commissioner for 
relief of refugees, 205. 

Sloops, travel by, 411, 413; commerce by, 
413. 

Sloughter appointed Governor, 88 ; arrival 
and execution of Leisler and Milbourne, 
89 ; commission, 89 ; death, 93. 

Smit, Ensign, in charge of garrison, 11 ; 
threatens to leave, 13 ; attacks on In- 
diins, 10; expedition against, 17. 

Smith, William, counsel for Zenger, si- 
lenced by court, 114; prophecy in letter, 
147. US. 

Smith, William, Jr., 0|)inion on church 
difficulties, 319. 

Smith, William, on committee to prepare 
Constitution, 359. 



INDEX. 



655 



Smokinp, •t'24. 

Snyder, .loliannis, Colonel First Ulster 
Couniy Heijiiiieiit, 170; trouble in ri-gi- 
inent as to including horsemen in draft, 
233 ; to command levies reinforcing forts 
in Highlands, 237 ; letters to conven 
tion, 238 ; names of his officers, 238 ; 
only one hundred of his britrade re-enlist, 
243 ; in Assembly, 273 ; Committee of 
Safety, 200 ; homestead, 450. 

Snyder, Captain .leremiali and son Klias, 
chased by Indians, 320 ; talcen prisoners 
by Indians and Tories, 320 ; taken to 
Canada, and their travels and final es- 
cape, 330, 331. 

Social customs, 421. 

Soil and description of country in Kingston 
and vicinity, 1S2. 

Soldiers, lots allotted to them in Hurley and 
Marbletovvn, (iO, ()2. 

Soldier, copy discharf^e of a Kevolutionary 
soldier, 340. 

Stages, early comnumieation by, 41.5. 

Stamp Act, 140 ; resistance to, 140 ; stamps 
destroyed. 1.50 ; act disregarded, 1.50 ; re- 
pealed, 150. 

State officers, judicial, appointed, 203. 

Steamboat, first passage of, on Hudson 
River, 414. 

Stockade, plan and locution, ; ordered re- 
paired, 41. 

Stocks in Court House yard, their use, 
373. 

Stoll, J. J., and coniiinny attack Indians 
when drunk and stupid, 12. 

Storms, record of some severe, 200, 201, 
380. 

Stuyvesant, Governor, 5 ; conference with 
settler.-! and Indiana at Ksopus, 7, 10 ; 
gift from Indians. 10 ; leaves with rein- 
forcements to relieve Esopus, 13 ; con- 
cludes to declare war against Indians, 
14 : sends Indians to Curaeoa, Ui ; and 
reason-*, 17; negotiations with Indians 
and ]ieace concluded. 10, 20 ; refusal to 
appr)int Sn-arlwoul scout, 24: repre- 
manded, 25 ; grants charier to Wiliwyck, 
25 ; efTorts to raise recruits, etc., for 
Esopus, 34 ; report to We.st India Compa- 
ny, 42 ; opposes surrender to English, 
47 ; surrender, 48 ; negotiation in Eng- 
land with English, .58 ; returns to and 
settles lit N.w York, .53. 

Sudani. .John. 453. 

Siidiun. Oke, on Committee of Observation, 
104. 



Sullivan, General, expedition against the 
Indians, 327. 

Sunday quiet enforced, 203, 424. 

Supervisors, two, allowed to King-ton, 198. 

Swanenburgh, name given to Kingston by 
the Dutch, ()6 ; sellout and other officers 
appointed, 00, 07. 

Swartwout, ancestral notes, 489. 

Swartwout, I'liilip, family nuirdere<I by 
Indians, 133. 

Swartwout, Hoeliff, his appointment as 
sellout ordered, 23; refused, 24; ap- 
])ointed, 27 ; when born, etc., 28 ; of- 
ficer iti militia, 30 ; discharged as schout, 
42 ; reinstated, 47. 

Tappen, ancestral notes, 480. 

Tappen, Cliristoffel, 440. 

Tnppen, Christopher, delegate to Provincial 

Congress, 107, 180 ; on Committee of 

Safety, 203 ; saves public papers, 311, 

440. ' 
Tappen, Christopher, .Jr., 447. 
Tappen, John, 410. 418, 410. 
Tax levy, (Jovernor Dongan's, 83 ; tax 

ordered, 120. 
Tea. tax imposed on, 151 ; use abandoned, 

151 ; cargo prevented landing, 151 ; some 

destroyed, 151 ; troubles in relation to, 

in Kingston, and its history, 240. 
Ten Broeck, ancestral notes, 489. 
Ten Uroeck, Petrus, house burnt by British, 

209. 300. 
Ten 13roeck, Wessel, appointed schepen for 

Swanenburgh, 0(i. 
Ten Eyck, ancestral notes, 400. 
Ten Eyck, President Trustees of Hurley, 

address to Oeneral Wasliington, 335. 
Tesschenmaeker, Uev., supplies pulpit in 

church. 208. 
Thyeson, Sergeant, attacked by Indians, 

33. 
Tompkins, Jonathan G., Committee of 

Safety, 203. 
Tories, 220, 2.50, 2.51. 2.52 ; tried and con- 
victed. 254 ; two hanged, 25.5. 
Tories concealed at Woodstock. 255. 
Tories, convention order disp"sal of their 

property, 200 ; their disguises and 

cruelty, 325. 
Townsend, Samuel, on committee to report 

Constitution, 250. 
Tread well, Tiiomas, on Conmiittee of 

Safety, 203. 
Treason defined by resolution, 230. 
Troops to be raised to guard prison ships 



556 



INDEX. 



and also for Committee of Safety, and 
officers desijrnaled, 357. 

Troops withdrawn from Wiltwyck, 43. 

Trustees of Academy receive deed for 
Academy and certificate of incorpora- 
tion, 349, 3.50 ; organize and adopt rules 
for government, 351 ; John Addison, se- 
nior Trustee, 351 ; found a library and 
adopt rules for its care and use, 355 ; 
committee appointed to inquire into 
state of funds, 356 ; question of power of 
principal decidedj 356; special meeting 
as to funds, 350 ; death of Mr. .Addison, 
and Rev. Mr. Doll becomes senior Trus- 
tee, 356 ; address to Regents, 358 ; do- 
nation from Reprents, Sod ; application 
to found a college, and answer, 860; 
receive conveyance of land from corpora- 
tion Trustees, 361 ; proceedings initiated 
in regard to building new Academy, but 
abandoned, 361, 363 ; Rev. Mr. Gosman 
appointed President, 364 ; sessions of 
school required to be opened with prayer 
and reading a chapter in Bible, and also 
requiring regular attendance at church, 
363 ; committee appointed to examine 
into education of students and report, 
364 ; English pupils of both sexes admit- 
ted, 304 ; resolve not to fill vacancies in 
Board, 365 ; classical department closed 
temporarily, 365 ; mem. of English 
schools therein, 366; first privilege to 
young lady pupils, 366 ; subsequently 
others admitted, 367 ; its final transfer to 
Board ot Education, 367. 

Trustees of the Freeholders and Common- 
alty of the town of Kingston, patent 
granted, 82 ; organization, 83 ; arrange 
accommodations for military and provide 
scouts to patrol the woods, 139, 140 ; pro- 
cure a fire-engine, 200, 1.39 ; ordinance as 
to slaves, 140 ; build a block-house on the 
frontiers, 141, 143 ; their jiower and gov- 
ernment, 183 ; loss of their minute-book 
and records, 184, 185 ; list of first Trus- 
tees, 184; result of first election, 184; 
three of their early ordinances, 185 ; 
copy of record of a trial in the town 
courts, 185 ; distribution of land by, 188 ; 
minutes of, 188 ; mode of adopting or- 
ders, 189 ; Resolution to prevent waste 
on common lands, 190 ; order as to stran- 
gers coming in, 190 ; reduce rate of in- 
terest, 190 ; prohibit smoking in streets 
at night, 190. 191 ; also fast riding in 
the streets, 101 ; public whipper to be 



appointed, 191 ; suits brought against 
them to settle boundaries and for quit 
rents and their character, 192 ; suits in 
regard to Nortliern boundary, 193; how 
the memory of a witm-ss was strength- 
ened, 194 ; build a market house, 197 ; 
take counsel in regard to local courts, 
their jurisdiction being questioned, and 
attempt to procure explanatory charter. 
198, 199; lay out additional building 
lots and colored buiyiug-ground in vil- 
lage, 190 ; build a dock at landing, 199 ; 
gave Delameter privilege to build a 
mill, 199 ; contril)uted toward purchase 
of church-bi'II, 213 ; conveyance of land 
to church, 212 ; after burning of Kings- 
ton met at Van Steenbergh's, 322; ordered 
lead to be run into bullets, 322 ; letter 
received from R. R. Livingston offering 
land for sufferinginhabitants, 322 ; lands 
thus given located and allotted, 323, 
334, 325 ; deposited £1300 in Continent- 
al loan ofliice, 334 ; apply to Legislature 
for troops to defend frontier, 333 ; employ 
scouts, 333 ; ordered field-pieces and can 
non put in order, 334 ; order timber for 
fortifications, 334 ; establish a clas- 
sickI school or academy, 342, 314 ; pro- 
ceedings to establish a University, 346 ; 
letter to Dr. Wither.spoon to procure a 
principal for Academy, 348 ; notice of its 
reopening, 349 ; procure incorporation 
of Academy and convey Academy to its 
Trustees, 349,350; Trustees organize a 
fire company, 370 ; Trustees lay the 
plains out into lots, sale and forfeiture 
of most of them for non-compliance with 
terms, 308 ; proceedings to procure loca- 
tion of Congress, 309 ; Trustees' claims 
and acts as to fisheries, 373 ; exploration 
and appropriation for road to Schoharie 
Kill, 375 ; contribute to buy land for 
church, 375 ; charge of poor, 376; con- 
vey lot to Academy, 377 ; proceedings 
for and final distribution of common 
lands, 378, 380; finances, 378; convey 
lots to Academy. 380, 381 ; sale of ferry, 
381 ; new board elected distribute funds 
to churches, 381, 382 ; appropriation for 
funerals, 381 ; Trustees indicted for re- 
fusal to surrender trust, trial and final 
dissolution. 387 ; remarks thereon, 389 ; 
appropriation of money by to build 
bridge, 404, 405. 
Try on. Governor, siddress to inhabitants 
of New York, 



INDEX. 



557 



Tarnpikes, Ulster and Delaware, 405 ; fail- 

rirp, and its causes, 406. ■ 

Turnpike, Neversink, its striigjrles, etc., 

408 ; law for relief, change of name, and 

failure, 410. 
TwaalfskiU in 1811, 413, 414 ; sloops and 

commerce of, 1835, 413; description of 

in 1820, 468. 

Ulster County created and boundaries 
defined, 7(i ; drafts made on lier for 
troops and peas for Albany, 88; act to 
defray expenses for building Court 
House, 112 ; fear of French and Indians, 
120 ; troop.s sent for defence of Fort Kd- 
ward, list of officer.^, 131 ; men guarding 
frontiers, 132; troops from to reinforce 
Fori William Henry, and letter as to, 
137 ; ollicers scouting on frontier, 138, 
142 : qimta of Ulster for invasion of 
French jiosse.^sions, 142 ; troops occupy- 
injr block houses in, 142 ; elect delegates 
to Provincial Congn-ss, 160. 167 ; ollicers 
of Ulster County regiment for Canada, 
170 ; were in the (\inadian campaign, 
and their arms iind uniform, 171 ; reor- 
ganizatiim of miliia ami oHicersof Ulster 
and Orange Counties, 172 ; elect delegates 
to Provincial Congress, 174 ; three com- 
panies enlisted under Continental call, 
170 ; return of ollicers of first regiment 
of foot, 176; census in 1703, 190 ; militia 
ordered out for Highlands, 231 ; ordered, 
with adjoining counties, to have militia 
ready at a moment's notice, 236 ; rengers 
ordered for threatened raid on borders, 
240 : militia ordered to Peekskill, 242 ; 
furnished three companies for war, 243 ; 
officers of Fifth Brigade, 243; Tory 
troubles, and jails filled, 249; militia 
ordered to Highlands, and otficers as- 
signed, 282 ; detachment ordered to 
Schoharie, 284 ; infested with Toriea and 
Indiaiis, their cruelty, 335. 

Van Huren, ancestral notes, 490. 

Van Cortlandt. (ieneral P., on Committee 
of Safely, 203 ; President of Council of 
Safety, 208 ; President of Slate Senate 
and of Joint Convention, 289 ; letter, 
296. 

Van Cowenhoven, Schepen, and on War 
Council, 34 ; arrives with reinforcements, 
34. 

Van Dam, Uip, 



.aJ vO Qorernorsliip, 



112; controversy with Cosby, 113; 
claims office of Governor, 1 16. 

Vandemark, ancestral notes, 491. 

Vander Hoscli, Rev., his pastorate and dis- 
solution, 208. 

Vanderlyn, ancestral notes, 491. 

Vanderlyn, John, the artist, 438 ; paint- 
ings, 401. 

Vanderlyn, Nicholas, Captain of Fire En- 
gine Company, 376, 383. 

Van Etten, ancestral notes, 491. 

Van Uaasbeek, ancestral notes, 492. 

Van Gaasbeek, Laurentius, pastor, and 
death, 208. 

Van Hart, Peter, killed in massacre at 
Wiltwyck, 33. 

Van Imbroeck, Gysbert, Assembly, 44. 

Van Imbroeck, Madam, escaped from Ind- 
ians, 35. 

Van Keuren, ancestral notes, 493. 

Van Keuren, Abraham, agency in cliarch 
troubles, 210. 

Van Uyen, Justice, commissioner in trou- 
bles at Kingston, 53. 

Van Steenbergh, ancestral notes, 493. 

Van Steenbergh house escaped couHagra- 
tion, 304. 

Van Twiller, Governor, 4. 

Van VVagonen, ancestral notes, 493. 

Vanzyll, Abram, Ferd., captain in Dutch 
fleet, CO. 

Vas, Petrus, his pastorate, 209 ; death. 211. 

Vaughan, General, expedition up Hudson, 
294 ; burning Kingston, 298; h'm false- 
hood. 298 ; report, 299 ; sails down the 
river, 318. 

Vernooy, ancestral notes, 493. 

Vredenbergh, ancestral notes, 494. 

Wallace, .lames, report as to burning of 
Kingston, 299. 

Walloons settling on Long Island, etc., 4. 

Wampum belt, 46. 

War between England and Holland, 57. 

War between England and France, 134. 

War with Indians, 5, 13, 33 ; expeditions 
against, 35, 37. 

War of the Revolution, invasion of Canada, 
109 ; battle of Long Island, 235 ; cam- 
paign of 1776, 228; British plan, 228; 
summary of, 229 ; trouble from Tories, 
229 ; New York City evacuated. Fort 
Washington taken, 242 ; campaign of 
17?7, 277; battle of Oriskany, 280; bat- 
tle of Bennington, 286; retreat of St. 
Leger, 286 ; surrender of Burgoyne, 



658 



INDEX. 



286 ; capture of forts in Higlilands, 287 : 
expedition up river,' and Ijuriiing of 
Kingston, 297 ; campaign of 1778. Sulli- 
van's expi-'dition against Indians, 327. 

Wardttn, David, principal of Academy, 
350. 

Waring, Samnel, a Tory plot, 250. 

Warrant issued by Committee ou Conspir- 
acies, 256. 

War with England, 181J ; troops ordered 
from Ulster County, 400 ; iijurious ef- 
fects, 402 ; peace proclaimed, 402. 

Wasliingt(Ui, (ieneral, letter in retard to 
Tories, 230 ; address to army, 231 ; nom- 
inates (Jfueral George Clinton to com- 
mand forls in Hlglilands, 233 ; arrange- 
ments for defence of New York and 
Long Island, 333 ; assigns Generals Put- 
nam and Heath to command forces in 
Hlglilands, 233 ; at battle of Long Isl- 
and, 235 ; calls out whole force of the 
State and reply of Committee of Safety, 
836 ; his embarrassment, 243 ; letter to 
Governor Clinton, 270 ; passage through 
Ulster, spends night at Marbletovvn, and 
reception at Hurley and Kingston, 335, 
339 

Webb, General, operation at Fort Edward, 
135. 

Webster, Alexander, on Council of Safety, 
290. 

Weskstein, Rev., pastorate, and death, 
208, 

Westljrook, ancestral notes, 494. " 

Westbrook, General Frederick,, 401.—- — 

West India Company, Government, etc., 3. 

Whipping a remedy for strengthening a 
short memory, 194. 

Wlilpping-po.st and its use, 373 ; whipper 
appointed, 373 ; stood in Court House 
yard, 3"3. 

Whiting, William B., on Council of Safe- 
ty, 290. 

Whitsuntide, 437. 

Wietsen, Christian, sent to attack Indians 
back of Magdalen Island, 34, 

Wiesner, Henry, Sr,, Provincial Congress, 
180 ; on committee to prepare Constitu- 
tion, 259. 

Wiesner, Henry, Jr., Assembly, 275, 



Wiltwyck, stockade, 9 ; created into a 
village, 25 ; charter, 25 ; by-laws, 27 ; 
court org^mized, 27 ; owners oF lots in, . 
28, 29; militia coin])aiiy organized, 30; 
massacre at, 31 ; list of killed, wcmnded, 
and prisoners, and houses burned, 33. 
34 ; martial law proclaimed and council 
of war held, 34 ; additional .soldiers sent, 
34 ; expeditions sent out, 38. 40 ; cap- 
tives returned, 42 ; troops withdrawn, 
43 ; delegates elected to Assembly, 44 : 
surrender to English, 48 ; name changed 
to Kingston. 59 ; order to remove stock- 
ade, 63. (See Kingston.) 

Woodhull, General, President of New 
York Convention, wounded at battle of 
Long Island, and death, 33.5. 

Wolfe, General, capture of Louisburg, 141; 
death at Quebec, 143. 

Wolverton, Peter, sent to attack Indians 
back of .Magdalen Island, 34 ; brought in 
two children exchanged, 43. 

Worms and caterpillars, great destruction 
by, 300. 

Wynkoop, ancestral notes, 494. 

Wynkoop, Andrew, Major, to command de 
tachment at Peekskill, 342. 

Wynkoop, Cornelius, appointed schepen 
for Swanenburgh, 66. 

Wynkoop, Cornelius D., Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Third Ulster Co. Regiment, Cana- 
da, 17u ; entertains Washington, 335. 

Yankee Doodle, origin of, 130. 

Yates, .\briiham, on c<iinmittee to prepare 
Constitution, 259 ; Council of Safety, 
290. 

Yates, Abraham, Jr., on Committee of Safe- 
ty, 263. 

Yates, Robert, appointed judge, 363; on 
committee to prepare Constitution, 259. 

York, DuUe of, jiateut from King, 50; 
commissions Nicolls as <leputy, 50 ; let- 
ter to Governor Dongan, 79 ; ascends the 
throne, 79 ; as King gives different or- 
ders, 80. 

Zenger, Editor, attacks on the Govern- 
ment, 113, 114 ; arrest, imprisonment, 
prosecution, and acquittal, 115. 



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